We have so far published more than 1,000 news stories, features, investigations, community and culture previews, galleries, newsletters and special reports.
We work half of the week as volunteers and keep overheads low, serving 2.5 million page views a year to 60,000 regular readers on a tiny budget.
If you think what we do is good for our city please upgrade to a paid Exeter Observer subscription from less than £2/week.
169 of the 300 paying subscribers we need to break even have signed up so far.
We can get there with your support. We hope you'll join us today.
University of Exeter postpones net zero target to 2050
Exeter Chiefs members approve US investment company takeover
Exeter City Council recycling rate among lowest in country
Environment Agency orders South West Water to fix scores of faults
Royal Clarence Hotel developer asks £20.5 million for city centre apartment blocks
Exeter Port And Harbour business plan published without future budgets
St Bridget’s Nursery judicial review claim dismissed
Clarendon House to let three months after student accommodation redevelopment approved
On Our Radar
MONDAY 15 TO SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026
Exeter Refugee Week 2026
Refugee Support Devon celebrates annual event with a film screening, radio programme and live performance alongside month-long fundraising campaign.
EXETER CITY CENTRE
THURSDAY 25 JUNE TO SATURDAY 4 JULY 2026
Budleigh Music Festival
Annual event returns with classical concerts, musical workshops and a tribute to Hilary Mantel.
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON
FRIDAY 26 TO SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2026
The Considerate Society
Six artist and community-led gatherings convened by Art Work Exeter to examine civic life and more.
EXETER QUAY
More stories
Phil Bialyk clings to Exeter City Council leadership with too few Labour councillors to fill executive seats
Green Party call for “co-operative council” to “put people before politics” ignored despite opposition councillors holding balance of power.
, updated
Green surge leaves Labour without council majority and competing with Reform UK for second place across city
Defiant Phil Bialyk says Exeter election results are vote of confidence in party which will propose own portfolio holders, leader and deputy at May annual meeting.
, updated
Exeter City Council 2026 local elections results
The votes cast for each candidate with vote share and party vote share change in each ward plus turnout, postal votes and the distribution of seats.
, updated
2026 Exeter local elections guide
City council elections take place on Thursday 7 May. Our comprehensive guide covers who’s standing where, wards to watch and the backdrop to this year’s ballot, which looks set to end fourteen years of Labour majority control over the city.
When, where and how to vote in the 2026 Exeter local elections
Our guide to casting your ballot in person, by post and by proxy as well as voter ID requirements and regulations for casting postal votes.
Help hold Exeter’s political parties and politicians to account during the 2026 local elections
Send us campaign materials as this year’s contest enters its final week so we can fact-check candidates’ claims and hold them to their pledges after the votes have been counted.
Spotlight
Exeter City Council is about to seize the helm of Exe estuary maritime life: will it steer it onto the rocks?
Charges for waterways access are set to be imposed from the quay and canal basin to the coast under proposed Harbour Revision Order powers after six years of rising costs propelled by pursuit of Port Marine Safety Code compliance. They risk driving away craft of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts, while redevelopment threatens canalside land – but it’s not too late to change course.