Jim Parker: Politicians must bury differences for the sake of Torbay's future

I think what impressed Minister Berry just as much as anything was the fact that this had all come from the Torbay Together strategic partnership where public, private and community sectors were all brought together as one voice and Torbay, instead of so often being seen as the 'basket case' of the county, was united even politically. Fast forward a couple of years and a visit to plush St James Square in London and a meeting with a small group of investors also with lots of money to spend. This time the council leader was Liberal Democrat Steve Darling who was there to persuade the money men and women to spend their cash on the English Riviera using the Torbay Story as a promotional lever. Stuart Harris from investors and developers Milligan was in the room and was like-wise impressed by the political stability when it came to regeneration aspirations for the Bay.

In another Town Hall power switch, around this time last year Cllr Thomas, back again as leader, ended up going to UKREiiF, a national conference bringing together local authorities and investors from around the globe with billions of pounds in the room. 

Messrs Thomas and Darling, from different coloured parties and worlds apart in most things, were united with their same hopes and dreams for the Bay. Who would have believed it? Stuart Harris and fellow developer partners Willmott Dixon did and a £100millon regeneration deal between them and the council was struck.

UKREiiF 2024 is here and Cllr Thomas is directly fighting Torbay's corner in Leeds but can we be sure that that vital stability and joint political partnership is still in tact?  Party political shenanigans reigned supreme at the recent mayor-making meeting that is for sure. A huge row erupted over who should be this year's Mayor. He or she is now being described as the 'King Maker' because they will have any casting vote in any debate which may be split down the middle after yet another twist in who holds the political reins at the Town Hall

Originally, the Tories were in control and put forward their mayoral nomination as well as the chairs of various, important council committees. But that was all thrown up in the air when two  newly-elected Conservative councillors quit the Tory group and set up their own 'party' taking overall control away from their once masters. Suddenly it was the Lib Dems, Independents and newly-formed Torbay Prosper councillors calling the the tune. They then put their own committee chairs in place and made Cllr Swithin Long their mayor elect with the Conservatives having to agree. But the power tables have been turned again after the sad death of Prosper councillor Patrick Joyce. A by-election will now be held in his Wellswood ward.

 

The Tories are favourites to win and that is why they refused to rubber stamp Cllr Long as Mayor at last week's meeting. They want their Mayor there with that all-important casting vote when needed. It led to sad, ugly and tearful scenes at the meeting. That is something we can and must do without. Torbay is sat on more than £200million in regeneration cash. We are on the cusp of a bright new future. To waste that once-in-a-generation opportunity would  be a disgrace and totally unforgiveable. Investors will want to see the Bay remain united going forward and working together. That applies to councillors of all political colours. We just cannot fail now we have come so far. Unforgivable is an under-statement

Thanks

Jim