Civic Mayor

The leadership and ceremonial roles in Torbay Council are distinct from each other.

The leadership - in the form of Leader of the Council and Cabinet - deals with the business running of the council, and works with private enterprise, industry and the voluntary sector to improve the standards of living for the people of the Bay in delivering local services.

The Civic Mayor is responsible for chairing meetings of the council.  The Civic Mayor also undertakes civic and ceremonial duties in the Borough and attends community engagements and represents Torbay at civic events outside the area on behalf of Torbay Council.  The Civic Mayor is always expected to act impartially and in a non-political way.

If you wish to invite the Civic Mayor to an event you are organising, please complete the event information form and return no later than 14 days before the event to the Civic Support, Governance Support, Town Hall, Torquay, TQ1 3DR.

Alternatively, you can return the form via email to civic.support@torbay.gov.uk.

Current Civic Mayor

I am Councillor Hazel Foster and have been appointed as Torbay’s Civic Mayor for 2026/2027 and I am a Councillor for the Wellswood Ward.

I spent many years in the motor trade, including working for my family car breaking business. I also worked as a carer and in my younger days on the family milk round. Alongside my business and employment, for many years I was an amateur jockey, riding in races across Great Britain, including at Newton Abbot Racecourse.

After my time in business, I looked to bring my skills into public life and spent time as a Councillor in Coventry, before moving to Torbay a decade ago. Alongside my formal work on Council Committees and in the Town Hall, I am regularly seen out litter picking in my Ward.

I want to use my year as Civic Mayor of Torbay to promote causes which are close to my heart such as tackling domestic violence and supporting those with learning disabilities. As part of this I have picked the following two good causes to support as Mayor:

1. The Standing Tall Partnership, which gives support to sufferers and survivors of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence. Many after fleeing their perpetrators then move into new accommodation, money raised will be used to buy basic items to help them set up a new home.
2. Co-ordin8, a group which supports young adults with Learning difficulties. They have just taken on a new premises in Paignton and money raised will be used to buy items for it to support their activities.

I am keen to spend my Mayoral year visiting, hearing from and promoting the many unsung heroes who work hard to make our community what it is.

I will be supported in my Mayoral Year by my Civic Chaplain, Father Peter March, who covers three parishes in Central Torquay, one of which St John the Apostle, is well known to the people of Torbay as the church with the illuminated cross looking over Torquay Harbour.

My husband Kevin will be my Consort.