New civic mayor is out to make Torbay proud

Newly appointed mayor Barbara Lewis is out to do the Bay proud.

Cllr Lewis was elected at a mayor-making ceremony last week with fellow Tory councillor Hazel Foster her deputy.

In her acceptance speech Cllr Lewis said: “It is an absolute honour to stand before you today as I take on the role of Civic Mayor of Torbay. 

“I want to begin by thanking my fellow councillors for their support and for placing their trust in me to serve in this role for the coming year. It is a responsibility I take very seriously—and one I accept with both humility and pride.

Above: Barbara Lewis and Hazel Foster, Torbay civic mayor and deputy civic mayor. Image: MiraclePR.com

“I would especially like to thank Cllr Hannah Stevens, the past Civic Mayor, for all her dedication to the role which she has done superbly and her support to me as her Deputy, I think we have worked well as a team. 

“I didn’t grow up in Torbay—but I can truly say it’s now my home in every sense of the word. I moved here from London to help my mother care for my father during his battle with dementia. 

“Like many I quickly learned the true meaning of compassion and patience, that is why I have picked Rowcroft Hospice as my Charity for the year.

“They do so much for those most in need.

Above: Mayor Barbara Lewis, husband Chris and mayoral chaplain the Rev Nathan Kiyaga. Image: MiraclePR.com

"Before that chapter of my life, I worked as a dental nurse—an experience that taught me the value of empathy, attention to detail, and of course, how to keep calm under pressure!

“Politics wasn’t always part of the plan—but I married a man who was already involved, and I suppose you could say it was only a matter of time before I got roped in too! 

“But while it was politics that brought me here, it’s people who have kept me here. That’s what I care about. Always have, always will.

“Throughout my time on the council, whether serving as Chairman of Licensing or sitting on the Planning Committee, my aim has been the same: to listen, to learn, and to do my best for the residents of Torbay.

Above: Mayor Barbara Lewis and husband and consort Chris Lewis. Image: MiraclePR.com

“As Mayor, I will continue to represent our communities with warmth, integrity, and an open heart. I am definitely not the most political of politicians—but I do care deeply about the wellbeing of the people who live here, work here, raise families here, and grow old here. That, to me, is what this role is all about.”

She confirmed husband Chris Lewis as  her consort and revealed the Rev Nathan Kiyaga, the Vicar of St Paul’s Preston and her local Church, has agreed to be her Chaplain for the coming year.

”I will serve with dedication, and I hope to be a Mayor that makes Torbay proud.”