Stories that explore key issues behind the headlines

Second undervalue sale of Clifton Hill sports centre site after buyback loss leaves city with £3m less than initial market value
Council sold land for £2.14m – at £2.11m discount – then bought it back for £3.037m before selling again for £3.375m at £425,000 discount with £225,000 sweetener after also agreeing to spend net £600,000 on preparation, marketing and disposal costs.

Lib Dems take command at County Hall despite Reform UK surge as Conservatives lose 33 seats and Labour is wiped out
2025 Devon County Council elections leave balance of power in Green Party hands as local government reorganisation takes centre stage on regional political agenda.

2025 Exeter & Devon local elections guide
Devon County Council elections take place on 1 May alongside two Exeter City Council by-elections. Our essential guide explores the background to this year’s ballot and assesses the contests in each of the city’s electoral divisions and wards.
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City council holds sham Northbrook swimming pool closure consultation
£600,000 Exeter Leisure services budget cut signed off two weeks before pool consultation opened as St Sidwell’s Point drains other council leisure sites.