A referendum took place on 14 July 2005 on establishing a directly elected mayor.
The result saw a majority in favour of a leader and cabinet system with 15,846 votes in support of the leader and cabinet system and 9,511 wanting to stick with an elected mayor, on a 25.3% turnout.
[6] Aby-election was held in June 2024[24] following the death of independent councillor Patrick Joyce.
[25] The Conservatives won the seat, regaining majority control of the council.
[26] The change in percentages given below are given in comparison to the general results of the 2023 Torbay Council election.