Martin Redfern
Martin Redfern is Exeter Observer’s editor and a director of its publisher Exeter Observer Limited.
He writes many of our news stories and features, leads on investigations and maintains the Exeter Observer website.
Martin holds a masters degree in Journalism with distinction at Birkbeck, University of London.
He is an accredited UK press card holder and a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and the Society of Editors.
Stories by Martin Redfern

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.

Centre for Cities finds Exeter economic growth and living standards performance among worst in country’s 63 largest places
Council leader Phil Bialyk celebrates rapid Exeter population rise but fails to mention think-tank findings on falling disposable incomes, declining living standards, low wages and unaffordable housing – or impact of student numbers on population figures.
