The Chairman of Torbay Council undertakes the civic and ceremonial role in Torbay and wears the Chain of Office on behalf of the Mayor. He 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 2011-2012 is Councillor Derek Mills.

If you wish to invite the Chairman to an event contact the Chairman's office on 01803 207025.

After working for Local Authorities for thirty-seven years I left my final post as Principal Leisure Officer for Torbay Council and took early retirement in June 2005.

I was elected for the Churston with Galmpton ward at a by-election in December 2005, re-elected again in 2007 and again in 2011. During this time I have served on the Cabinet, chaired the Audit Committee and represented Torbay on the Devon and Somerset Fire Authority. I still sit on the Fire Authority and became Chairman of the Council at the Annual Meeting in May 2011.

My hobbies include motorcycling and golf. I have assisted in raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities through motorcycling over the last ten years. At present I am treasurer to the Plymouth Chapter of the Harley Owners Group.

When I am not out representing the Borough my wife and I are out on our Harley. At present we have travelled over 10,000 miles on our bikes touring Europe.

I have chosen as my charity for my year of office The Children’s Hospice South West.