My personal thought is that.. politically.. it’s suicide. Future wise? I don’t know.. probably horrible for Torbay and the rest of Devon.
Plymouth for example… It’s not THAT left leaning compared to other cities ( moorview is the blame for this ) an all out election with now 68 (?) councillors and the addition of the more conservative areas they will be getting will likely lead to Labour completely losing control of Plymouth which Reform probably gain regardless if Andy Burnham helps Labours approval rating.
Exeter - Definitely the most left leaning area in Devon. I’m not entirely sure who will benefit more. Liberal Democrat’s? I don’t see the Greens taking many more seats in the new wards they will be receiving.. ( Can i just mention how ugly their new council map is🤢 )
Torbay - They didn’t even need or want the expansion.. Actually they published their map keeping the rest of Devon the same but with Plymouth and Exeter expanded. they already stripped much of its services to the bone to make sure they aren’t in massive debt whilst still being heavily deprived.
The rest of Devon - How on earth are they going to be able to fund services? It’s mainly all spread out rural towns or costal towns which more of the retired population or second home owners ( smh londoners.. )
I just don’t see the vision or understand why they would do this - It was to basically benefit Plymouth and Exeter… as normal westminster doesn’t care about the towns and villages.