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 Exeter local elections results

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 current city council seat distribution graphic

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.

Electoral Commission voting options graphic

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.

Exeter local elections campaign materials

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.

Our Land documentary film poster crop

SATURDAY 25 APRIL TO THURSDAY 14 MAY 2026

Our Land

Documentary exploring the right to roam campaign for access to the countryside.

EXETER PHOENIX

Centre for Cities Outlook 2026 chart comparing best and worst performers on economic growth and living standards since 2013

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.

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