Crucial By-election for Torbay sees Tories take back control

A crucial by-election on Torbay Council has seen the Conservatives take back control of the authority - securing 18 councillors out of the 36, including the chair.

Ahead of today's voting in the Wellswood ward, the Conservatives had 17, the Liberal Democrats 15 with two Independent councillors and one from Prosper Torbay.

The by-election followed the passing of Prosper Torbay councillor Patrick Joyce.

The seat has been held by the Conservatives for at least a quarter of a century.

The Tories retained the seat with a majority of nine

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