Reacting to the news that the joint bid from Torbay Council and Exeter Council to become the next City of Culture had failed to be longlisted, Kevin said: 

"It is disappointing to hear we have not been shortlisted, but this bid has shown we can think differently about our cultural offer here in our bay and look to take it to a new level. Projects like the revitalisation of the Paignton Picture House show the investment going into our future cultural offer. Whilst we have not at first succeeded, we should try again.”