Devon council dispute stalls push for county mayor

A meeting of the Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) descended into a heated confrontation as councillors argued over the pace of creating a mayoral strategic authority for Devon. Chairman Councillor David Thomas repeatedly shouted for Councillor Paul Arnott to stop speaking, before declaring the session adjourned. Arnott later apologised, claiming Plymouth was attempting to block mayoral elections scheduled for next May.

Leaders of Torbay (David Thomas), Exeter City Council (Councillor Phil Bialyk) and East Devon District Council (Arnott) debated the benefits of a Devon mayor, citing potential government funding for housing and transport projects. While Plymouth is not yet a DTCCA member, its perceived influence over the process fueled the dispute. DTCCA members are seeking to amend the authority’s constitution to create a formal mayoral position, aiming for elections by 2027.