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

Phil Bialyk speaking at Exeter City Council 13 January 2026 Guildhall meeting

Exeter City Council leader Phil Bialyk hides behind flimsy CEO capacity claims to contrive local elections cancellation

Labour councillors plumb new depths to cling to power – and personal financial gain – as government-backed contempt for democracy enables seven of eight executive members to avoid ballots in their wards until council abolition in 2028.

Devon County Council confirms plan to sell 1.5 acre Matford huts County Hall plot for redevelopment

Devon County Council has confirmed it intends to dispose of a 1.5 acre plot in the grounds of County Hall despite the submission of 180 objections in two rounds of public consultation.

Royal Clarence Hotel redevelopment to go ahead without affordable housing

Exeter City Council has accepted extensive historic fabric damage and foregone a £2.4 million affordable housing contribution to enable the redevelopment of the Royal Clarence Hotel site as luxury flats and commercial space.

Exeter Library in Rougemont Gardens

Devon County Council funding cuts set to reduce core library opening hours by 30%

Public consultation on changes explores possibility of closing some branches altogether despite claims to the contrary while Libraries Unlimited contract extension decision scheduled for six weeks before consultation ends.

Dawlish Warren and Exe Estuary mouth sandbanks

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.

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