The Chairman of Torbay Council undertakes the civic and ceremonial role in Torbay and wears the Chain of Office on behalf of the Mayor. She chairs meetings of the council, attends conferences, local community engagements and usually represents Torbay outside the area.

This is a non-political role and a new Chairman is elected each May at the Annual Council Meeting. The Chairman for 2008-2009 was elected on 13 May 2008 and is Councillor Michael Hytche.

If you wish to invite the Chairman to an event contact the Chairman's office.

Councillor Michael Hytche

Michael was born in Walsall, moved to Brixham, aged fifteen, with his family and completed his education at Dartmouth Grammar School.  From this time his love of the South Devon countryside increased with membership of Brixham Cycling Club and regular cycling tours, including one in Germany.

He qualified as a shipwright after serving a five year apprenticeship at Upham’s Shipyard, Brixham.  This was followed by two years National Service in the Army in the Parachute Regiment, including a year in Egypt in the Canal Zone.

On completion of National Service Michael joined his father and brothers in a fitted furniture and building joinery business in Torquay, but maintained his Army Service in the Territorial Regiments for many years.

An enthusiastic member of the Young Conservatives and Chairman for the last two years of eligible membership, Michael subsequently joined the senior Local Conservative Association.  He has remained an active participant, initiating and supporting fundraising activities and the work of local and national elections.

Interested in Education, Michael gained City & Guilds certificates to the highest level in Woodwork & Building Studies and obtained a Teacher’s Certificate in Further Education.  He then enjoyed teaching Woodwork Evening Classes at South Devon Technical College. Michael became a Primary School Governor at Foxhole Primary School from the 1970’s and is currently a Governor of Sherwell Valley Primary School.

Michael became a Councillor for Cockington with Chelston from 1991-1995.  After his retirement from the family business in October 1996, he was re-elected for the same seat which he has retained from 1997 to the present.  His particular interests have been Planning & Development Control and his constituency work.

In his middle years Michael enjoyed gliding at Dunkeswell, skiing holidays and exchange & twinning visits to Caen and Hameln.  A subscribing member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra since 1970 he continues to enjoy their concerts at Exeter.  A longstanding National Trust member, Michael enjoys local, national and continental visits with local National Trust branches.

Married to Elizabeth for 48 years, their first home was in Preston, moving to their present home in Chelston, Torquay 30 years ago. They are also members of Cockington Church. The two charities Michael will be supporting during his year of office are The Torbay Hospital League of Friends and Rowcroft Hospice.

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