'Pirate' runs Torbay Council meeting

Insert your own joke here!

A pirate, an Oompa Loompa and a princess have run a session of Torbay Council’s cabinet.

But residents needn’t be concerned, for the meeting was undertaken in fancy dress to raise money for Children in Need, the BBC’s annual fundraiser which has its big day on Friday.

Councillor Cordelia Law, cabinet member for children’s services (Liberal Democrats, Tormohun) organised the event to make up for a lack of opportunities this year for councillors and staff to raise money for charity because of covid.

“It’s just a way of trying to replace what we normally do in work,” said Cllr Law.

Council leader Steve Darling (Liberal Democrats, Barton with Watcombe) commandeered the meeting with a particularly striking pirate-meets-Brian May costume, his normally smooth head festooned with a giant curly wig reminiscent of the Queen guitarist. He complemented his standard gavel with a plastic sword.

It all made for rather surreal viewing as an assorted collection of fairytale characters discussed deadly serious topics from temporary accommodation shortages to the new council tax support scheme. 

Everyone who came in fancy dress was asked for a £5 donation, rising to £10 for councillors who couldn’t face dressing up. Overall it is the thought the night raised around £100 for charity.

Children in Need is on Friday 21 November across the BBC.

Categories: Revenue collection