Steve Darling MP
stevedarlingmp.bsky.social
Steve Darling MP
@stevedarlingmp.bsky.social
Member of Parliament for Torbay | Liberal Democrat | For casework and policy questions email: [email protected]

http://members.parliament.uk/member/5066
Improving rail services in Torbay, challenges with the Police and support for children at school were among the issues that were raised at my recent surgery in Paignton. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out - you can email [email protected] or call 07908 349347
February 14, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Kinship carers are family or friends who step up to care for a child when their parents aren't able to, such as during an unexpected crisis.

I joined the #ValueOurLove campaign in Westminster yesteday which is calling for financial, practical and emotional support for kinship carers.
February 12, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Progress on reducing poverty has flatlined since 2005.

It was deeply disappointing but perhaps not surprising to read this in the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Poverty Report 2026 last week.

Today I spoke at their event to highlight the poverty that I have witnessed in Torbay.

@jrf-uk.bsky.social
February 9, 2026 at 4:12 PM
1 in 5 children face mental health challenges. We can make a difference by supporting #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek with @Place2Be this week. Every donation helps. #CMHW2026
February 8, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Talking about mental health can be tough, but it helps break down stigma and supports others. I’m proud to back #TimeToTalkDay.

@mind.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 3:10 PM
I very much enjoyed attending Peta’s Research Modernisation Deal event in Westminster today and learning about their strategy for phasing out the use of animals and increasing the uptake of advanced technologies that perform better than animal-based methods.

@peta.org

#Animals #Animaltesting
February 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Too many young people are currently locked out of the housing market due to unaffordable rents, and insecure living arrangements. YMCA is campaigning to deliver 10,000 affordable and supported homes for young people. It was great to join their launch in Parliament last week.
February 4, 2026 at 10:49 AM
The average funeral costs over £4,000. Many families struggle to meet this cost at short notice. This week is #FuneralPovertyWeek — raising awareness and calling for fairer systems and better support. #NoDebtToSayGoodbye
February 1, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Drug testing has confirmed that SPICE in Torbay is contaminated with Cocaine and has already caused two individuals to go into cardiac arrests. I’m urging everyone to stay safe and follow the guidelines from the Council below.

#Torbay #Torquay #Paigton #Drugs
January 30, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day.

The extent of suffering experienced by those who were persecuted must not be forgotten.

In order to pledge my commitment to marking this day and remembering those who were murdered and those who survived with unimaginable trauma, I signed the Book of Commitment.
January 27, 2026 at 2:14 PM
FIA’s Buddies is a newly established community project in #Torbay with the purpose of supporting #children experiencing the effects of #Down's Syndrome and their siblings. I was delighted to attend their launch this Saturday and contribute towards their aim of approaching the #Charity commission.
January 26, 2026 at 3:07 PM
I know that charter fishers in Torbay are concerned about the new bag limits for catch (including Pollock) so I spoke this week in a parliamentary debate on fishing to suggest that the Government should assess the impacts of bag limits on the recreational fishing industry.

#Fishing #CharterFishing
January 25, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Lumina is a national programme providing free tutoring and mentoring for care-experienced young people with the aim of helping them achieve their GCSE/A-level qualifications and unlock their next steps. It was heartening to hear the stories of students who had been mentored in Westminster this week!
January 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM
In partnership with Torquay Girls' Grammar School I’m launching the Torbay Charter on the 23rd January to help make sure that everyone is respected in the workplace and to tackle misogyny. If you run a business and are interested in attending please email me at [email protected].
January 20, 2026 at 6:24 PM
In Devon there are nearly £300 million in cuts to our NHS and yet the government justifies tax rises by claiming they will spend this money on public services. In Parliament this week I challenged the government on this issue and brought attention to the lack of funding for our #NHS in Devon.
January 16, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Whether you are a parent with a pushchair, a wheelchair user or a visually impaired pedestrian pavement parking can be a huge issue. I've been campaigning to tackle this menace for years and so I'm delighted that the government has made a step in the right direction by giving councils new powers.
January 15, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Pothole claims for councils have risen by 90% in three years. When I'm out and about speaking to residents in Torbay potholes are always a subject for discussion so I was excited to speak to Sebastiano, the co-founder at Robotiz3d about their pothole sorting autonomous robot!
January 13, 2026 at 6:06 PM
My latest leaflet is now landing on doormats across Paignton and Torquay. It includes updates on my work calling for investment in Torbay Hospital, action on the cost of living crisis, and the latest news on the potential closure of the custody suite at Torquay Police Station.
January 8, 2026 at 1:15 PM
This week, I challenged the Government on whether the current ‘coalition of the willing’ will evolve into a ‘coalition of the capable’ to defend Ukraine, particularly in light of recent US military action in Venezuela.
January 7, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Yesterday I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on bus services. I set out how Torbay has seen a shrinkage in commercial routes and called for sustained investment so every community gets reliable, accessible buses. “Better services for all” must be the goal. #Torbay #PublicTransport
January 6, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Great to meet South Devon Police Commander Roy Linden recently. We discussed local concerns like the rise of E-scooters and the wider challenges facing policing as they rebuild after austerity cuts. Strong community links are vital, and I’ll keep sharing your views with the force.
December 21, 2025 at 5:15 PM
In Parliament I spoke on the Local Government Finance Settlement and congratulated Anna Coles and Torbay Adult Social Care on their ‘good’ CQC rating. I asked if the new funding strategy will protect areas like Torbay with older populations. #Torbay #SocialCare
December 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Delighted to join the Orchard Saturday Club Christmas party at Mayfield School. Wonderful crafts, music and raffle! Proud to support this unique club supporting children with complex needs and giving carers vital respite. #Torbay #Community
December 21, 2025 at 9:30 AM
From my childhood home on Windsor Road, Torquay United’s ground was always part of the view – a reminder of how deeply the club is woven into our community.

Last week, I met Michael Westcott and Tim Herbert to discuss the challenges ahead and the exciting plans under the Bryn consortium.
December 20, 2025 at 5:01 PM
🎄 Huge thanks to Brian and the amazing Royal Mail team in Paignton! They’re working flat out to keep Torbay connected this Christmas. Your dedication ensures cards and parcels reach loved ones. We appreciate all you do!
December 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM