Steve Darling: A year of change and big visions for the future

This will be the last of these columns from myself before Christmas, so I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I hope you get a chance to relax at this special time after what has been a very eventful year. It’s certainly been a year of change for me—I now have the absolute privilege and honour of being Torbay’s MP.

Since the General Election in the summer, I have been trying to make things better in Torbay. I’m pleased that I’ve helped to secure progress in respect to big investment for our local bus services, funding for Long Term Plans for towns, and clarification on those affected by South West Water’s seasonal tariff trial.

Bringing positive change to the place that I love is so incredibly rewarding.

If I could get one wish for Christmas, it would be for Torbay Hospital to get the funding for its badly needed rebuild.

The previous government, sadly, never followed through with its promise of funding. I don’t want to see the new government make the same mistake.

I’ve been lobbying the health secretary so intensely that a colleague of mine quipped that he must have employed a full-time member of staff to deal with my correspondence alone!

Elsewhere, I’ve been seriously concerned about what the council is planning for Oldway Mansion after we saw that it had been listed ‘for sale’ on a property website.

This unexpected listing, which advertised a long leasehold and included mention of the mansion’s extensive grounds, came without any prior communication from Torbay Council, leaving many to question what the future holds for this cherished landmark.

I’m calling for greater transparency from the council in the regeneration of Oldway Mansion. It’s vital that the people of Torbay are kept in the loop and involved in every step of this process. The mansion belongs to the community, and decisions about its future should be made openly and collaboratively, with residents at the heart of the conversation.

Parliament has recently voted on the next stage of the Assisted Dying Bill.

A significant part of the debate was around how palliative care needs to improve. This is an area I am keen to push on as our outstanding Rowcroft Hospice, as with many other hospices across the country, is underfunded and relies on charitable donations. I will continue to campaign hard on this matter.

As you will know, MPs voted to progress the bill to the next stage in Parliament. This vote was about allowing further debate and not a final decision.

While I have not yet made up my mind on the Bill’s specifics, I believe it is crucial that we have thorough and careful discussions about it. I voted to allow the Bill to move forward so we can fully examine its provisions. This is not a decision I take lightly, and I remain committed to keeping an open mind as the debate unfolds.

I understand the strong emotions this issue evokes, and I’m listening closely to all perspectives. It’s important that we continue to engage in this conversation, considering both the potential benefits and risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

As we look to 2025, we cannot overlook the fact that there are many challenges that we face here in Torbay. In particular, I am campaigning hard to get the aforementioned badly needed funding for Torbay Hospital released.

I really care about our beautiful bay, but I know that it can be even better, and I am committed to doing what we can to drive improvements for the bay.

If I can help, please get in touch by emailing: steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk

To keep up to date with my work as your MP, sign up for my weekly e-newsletter by going to www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!