Death of 'passionate' Torbay councillor prompts tributes

Torbay councillor Patrick Joyce died on Friday

Tributes have been paid to a "well respected" councillor and deputy group leader who has died.

Patrick Joyce was deputy leader of the Prosper Torbay group on Torbay Council.

Fellow councillors paid tribute to Mr Joyce as "a man of integrity" who was "passionate in his role" as a councillor.

His colleague Katya Maddison said a "recent health breakdown" had meant "he could not do everything he might have hoped to do".

'Effort and passion'

Ms Maddison, leader of Prosper Torbay, said: "Patrick was a motivated and very competent member who wanted to help bring about change in the bay.

"I will miss him a great deal, as will many other friends in and out of the council. My deepest sympathies to his partner and family."

Patrick Joyce was hailed as a "man of integrity" by colleagues

The council's leader, Conservative Dave Thomas, said he and colleagues were "shocked and saddened" by the news.

Mr Thomas said: "We fondly remember the great effort and passion he had for adult social care and health issues.

"He was a natural in his role from his very first day in the job as chairman of the scrutiny board."

'Man of integrity'

Mr Joyce was elected in 2023 to the Wellswood Ward as a Conservative but left the party in October to form Prosper Torbay.

Steve Darling, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said Mr Joyce was "a man of integrity who put his community and council work first".

Mr Darling said: "I only spoke to him a couple of days before his passing and he was full of ideas and plans for the future.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at this very difficult time."

Darren Cowell, leader of the Independent Group, said he was "truly saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Patrick".

He said: "He was passionate in his role as a councillor and particularly as overview and scrutiny lead for adults."

As a mark of respect, the flag at Torquay Town Hall will be flown at half-mast until sunset on the day of Mr Joyce's funeral.