TOP STORY
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. Read more here.
EXETER IN BRIEF
University of Exeter postpones net zero target to 2050
The University of Exeter has postponed its net zero target to 2050 following a two-year review of its climate strategy led by Global Systems Institute director Peter Cox. More here.
Exeter Chiefs members approve US investment company takeover
Exeter Chiefs members have voted in favour of a takeover of the club proposed by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment. More here.
Exeter City Council recycling rate among lowest in country
Exeter City Council’s recycling rate was ranked among the bottom tenth of councils in England which collect household waste last year. More here.
Environment Agency orders South West Water to fix scores of faults
South West Water has been ordered by the the Environment Agency to fix scores of faults including leaking pipes, cracked tanks, seeping liquids and faulty monitoring equipment. More here.
Royal Clarence Hotel developer asks £20.5 million for city centre apartment blocks
Two luxury city centre apartment blocks are being advertised for sale by Nooko, the developer responsible for renovating the Royal Clarence Hotel. More here.
Exeter Port And Harbour business plan published without future budgets
Exeter City Council has finally published an Exeter Port And Harbour business plan after repeated requests from river and estuary users to see the document, which was apparently prepared three years ago. More here.
St Bridget’s Nursery judicial review claim dismissed
The High Court has dismissed a judicial review claim brought by Sandy Park Farm Partnership against a planning inspectorate decision to allow planning permission for 350 homes on the site of the former St Bridget’s Nursery in Newcourt. More here.
Clarendon House to let three months after student accommodation redevelopment approved
Clarendon House is being advertised to let as office space three months after Exeter City Council planning committee approved the demolition of the block and its replacement with student accommodation. More here.
ON OUR RADAR
Mindful Market // The Birdhouse
Vintage items, handmade gifts and baked goods from local traders with wellbeing activities including yoga, crafts and hula-hooping. More details here.
Exeter Comedy Festival 2026 // Exeter city centre
Festival returns for third year with four days of comedy featuring Nish Kumar, Josh Widdecombe, Josie Long, Bridget Christie, Mike Wozniak and many more. More details here.
First Thursdays // Gandy Street
Monthly Gandy Street evening events include an indoor market, food and drink, street entertainment and more. More details here.
Exeter Respect Festival 2026 // Belmont Park
The annual celebration of Exeter diversity returns with live music and performance, food stalls, community and campaign groups. More details here.
The Book Market 2026 // Exeter Quay
Exeter City of Literature event with author talks, food and drink and independent booksellers from across Devon. More details here.
The Considerate Society // Exeter Custom House
Six artist and community-led gatherings convened by Art Work Exeter to examine civic life and more. More details here.
BELOW THE FOLD
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. Read more here.
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. Read more here.
