MP Darling to continue dual role as Bay councillor - but he's giving his £10,000 allowance to charity

Local Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling has announced the creation of an annual fund of over £10,000 to support local charities and good causes, using his councillor allowance to give back to the community. 

Steve, who continues to serve as a councillor for Barton and Watcombe, has pledged to donate his entire allowance to good causes until the next local elections in 2027. By that time, his donations will total nearly £25,000.

Steve, a long-time community champion and Torbay’s longest-serving councillor, secured a historic victory in last year’s General Election, winning the seat from the Conservatives. 

Now he has reaffirmed his commitment to both his parliamentary duties and his local responsibilities. 

He confirmed he will not seek re-election as a councillor in 2027 and will continue serving the people of Barton, Watcombe, and The Willows for his four-year term as elected.

He says: “Representing Torbay in Parliament is a true privilege, as is continuing to serve as a local councillor. 

“Holding both roles enables me to address the needs of our community at both the grassroots and national levels. Being in the council chamber allows me to stay closely connected to the issues that matter most to local people, ensuring I’m in the best possible position to fight for them in Westminster while also tackling problems directly within our local area.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the people of Barton, Watcombe, and The Willows for placing their trust in me at the last local elections. I am fully committed to serving them for the full four-year term I was elected for.”

He added: “I’m delighted to continue working hard for the people I represent, all while putting my councillor allowance to good use by supporting vital local charities that make a real difference in our community, rather than allowing taxpayers to foot the bill for an unnecessary by-election.”

The first recipients of the fund will include Torbay Communities, Rowcroft Hospice, and the National Coastwatch (Torbay branch), with more organisations set to benefit over the coming years.

Cllr Swithin Long, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, welcomed the move saying: “

"As a dedicated local champion for over 30 years, Steve has consistently fought for the people of Torbay, making a real difference in our community. 

“Steve’s decision is a great benefit to the council, ensuring that a strong local champion continues to bring his invaluable experience to the council chamber. 

“His decades of experience are an asset that directly benefits local people, providing them with a strong voice and ensuring stability during this crucial time. 

“I am delighted that local organisations will benefit from Steve’s generosity, making a lasting positive impact on the charities that do so much for our community."

Torbay councillors receive a basic councillor allowance of £10,273 annually. Since January, Steve has been setting aside this allowance to donate to local good causes. 

The first beneficiaries include Tissues and Issues, Torbay Communities, Rowcroft, and the National Coastwatch (Torbay branch). 

By the time of the next local elections in 2027, Steve will have donated an estimated £24,826 to support local charities. 

Steve is pictured with Jackie King from ‘Tissues and Issues’. ‘Tissues and Issues’ will be receiving £1,000 from Steve’s Annual Fund.