Torbay is a constituency in Devon represented in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament since 2024 by Steve Darling, a Liberal Democrat. He defeated Kevin Foster of the Conservative Party, who had held the seat since 2015.

Boundaries

1974–1983: The County Borough of Torbay. 1983–2010: The Borough of Torbay wards of Cockington with Chelston, Coverdale, Ellacombe, Preston, St Marychurch, St Michael's with Goodrington, Shiphay, Tormohun, and Torwood. 2010–2024: The Borough of Torbay wards of Clifton with Maidenway, Cockington with Chelston, Ellacombe, Goodrington with Roselands, Preston, Roundham with Hyde, St Marychurch, Shiphay with the Willows, Tormohun, Watcombe, and Wellswood. 2024–present: The Borough of Torbay wards of: Barton with Watcombe; Clifton with Maidenway; Cockington with Chelston; Ellacombe; Goodrington with Roselands; Preston; Roundham with Hyde; St. Marychurch; Shiphay; Tormohun; Wellswood. Minor changes following re-organisation of local authority wards. The constituency covers the majority of the Torbay unitary authority in Devon, including the seaside resorts of Torquay and most of Paignton. The remainder of the borough is covered by the South Devon constituency.

History

After being held for several Parliaments (taking together various predecessor areas) by Conservatives, from 1997 the seat was held by Liberal Democrats until 2015 when the Conservatives re-took it. It was captured once again by the Liberal Democrats at the 2024 general election. Sir Frederic Bennett did not achieve his own ministry nationally, but he chaired in the European Parliament the European Democrats group.

Constituency profile

Consisting almost entirely of coastal towns and villages, the constituency has a range of tourist facilities, and a few nearby luxury resorts. In November 2012, unemployment was 5%, compared to the national average of 3.8%. The seat is home to the Plainmoor football ground, home to Torquay United.

Members of Parliament

Elections

Elections in the 2020s

Elections in the 2010s

Elections in the 2000s

Elections in the 1990s

The 12 vote majority in Torbay was originally the second smallest in any of the 659 constituencies contested at the 1997 general election, with only the Liberal Democrats' majority of 2 in Winchester being smaller. However the Winchester result was subsequently challenged and declared void resulting in a by-election.

Elections in the 1980s

Elections in the 1970s