This year’s ballot promises to be the most unpredictable contest in years. Our comprehensive elections guide has got you covered and our briefing has all the how-to-vote details you need.
ANALYSIS
2024 Exeter local elections guide
City council elections take place on Thursday 2 May. Our comprehensive guide covers who’s standing where, wards to watch and the backdrop to this year’s ballot, which promises to be the most unpredictable contest in years. Read it here.
BRIEFING
When, where and how to vote in the 2024 Exeter local elections
Our guide to casting your ballot in person, by post and by proxy as well as voter ID requirements and new regulations for postal votes. Read it here.
SPRING 2024 COMMUNITY SHARE OFFER
Exeter Observer celebrates five years of local public interest news publishing
Invest in our Spring 2024 community share offer to help us deliver all the independent journalism Exeter needs and make it five more. More details here.
Labour and Conservative councillors join forces to block Exeter city centre antisocial behaviour initiative
Rejection of voluntary and community sector calls for more inclusive response follows thirteen-year council failure to comply with legal duties under crime and disorder legislation in relation to Exeter Community Safety Partnership.
More stories
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.
, updated
McCarthy Stone amends Heavitree school playing field retirement complex plans to trigger second public consultation
Developer makes minor adjustments to proposals for 36 retirement flats which have prompted concerns about loss of green space and adverse impact on historic character of conservation area.
Princesshay seeks permission for outdoor market stalls for four months each year
Planning application follows shopping centre acquisition by Frasers Group which said it intended to enhance the shopping and leisure offer in Exeter city centre.
Honiton Road “Moor Exchange” retail park plans set for approval
Final revised proposals for 12,400 square metre “town centre facilities” with 376 car parking spaces in Honiton Road trigger another public consultation five years after Exeter City Council granted outline planning permission for development.
Exeter is for Everyone event counters anti-migrant city centre march
1,200-1,500 people participate in hope and unity march, outnumbering British Unity nationalists by more than ten to one as significant police presence maintains order except for few minor clashes.
St Petrock’s launches fundraising appeal as number of people sleeping rough in Exeter continues to rise
Campaign film underscores dedicated homelessness charity mission as demand for its support services grows.
On Our Radar
SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2025 TO SUNDAY 4 JANUARY 2026
The Wintertime Hotel
An immersive family-friendly production by Theatre Alibi and Angel Exit Theatre.
EMMANUEL HALL
SUNDAY 14 TO SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER 2025
Ernie and the Sea of Ice
Quirk Theatre presents a festive family-friendly adventure set in the snowy South Pole.
EXETER PHOENIX
SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2025
Festive Quayside Farmers’ Market
Monthly market returns to offer local produce, hand-made goods, plants, cakes and more for Christmas feasting.
PIAZZA TERRACINA
Spotlight
Council denies data and contrives criteria to dismiss community balance concerns in third King Billy student block approval
Exeter Observer analysis finds more students living in city centre than residents as council bid to include PBSA in housing delivery figures weakens local planning policy – but does not remove it from decision-making altogether.
