Torridge District Council Votes to Elect Two Deputy Leaders

Members of Torridge District Council voted to elect two deputy leaders at its full council meeting on Monday 22 June 2026.

At the Council's AGM on 18th May 2026, it was proposed and seconded to defer the decision to elect the Deputy Leader of the Council until last night's meeting. A report was tabled to recommend appointing both Councillor C Hodson (Independent) and Councillor T Tinsley (Liberal Democrat) as Deputy Leaders, in recognition of the anticipated increase in workload in the lead-up to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and to reflect the political makeup of the Council.

The remuneration for the Deputy Leaders will be split from the current Special Responsibility Allowance, so no additional costs will be incurred by the Council.

It is a requirement of the Councils Constitution that a Deputy Leader is appointed. TDC operates the Committee system form of Governance therefore there are no powers to make decisions delegated to the Leader, Deputy Leader(s) or Councillors other than anything that might be specified in Committee or Full Council resolutions. The role of Deputy Leader(s) will only be to substitute and act as the representative of TDC at meetings, and or Partnership Boards where the Leader is designated as the appointed role. This will be at either the direct request of the Leader, or where for any reason the Leader is unavailable to attend.

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"I am delighted that the committee has elected both Councillor Hodson and Councillor Tinsley as Deputy Leaders.  Due to the impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) we anticipate the workload to increase significantly over the coming months. On top of this we want to ensure that we complete the Community Regeneration Fund projects in the designated time window.  By working together across parties, I am confident that Torridge will be in a good place following the LGR announcement - whatever that may look like."

Councillor Claire Hodson, Deputy Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"I am very grateful to my fellow councillors for re-electing me as Deputy Leader alongside Councillor Tinsley. I am delighted be able to see through the Community Regeneration Fund projects and ensure their successful delivery within the agreed timeframe, in order to bring lasting benefits to communities across the district. Together, we will continue working to keep Torridge in a strong position as we approach Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), ensuring the district is well placed for the future."

Councillor Teresa Tinsley, Deputy Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"I am delighted that, after our three by election wins last year, the Lib Dems now have a seat at the top table. This will support greater democratic accountability and the effectiveness of the council in its final two years. As a relatively new councillor, I have a lot to learn from Councillors James and Hodson and am looking forward to working with them to uphold the interests of Torridge residents."

June 2026