City council elections take place on Thursday 4 May. Our essential guide highlights who’s standing where, wards to watch and what the results might be. It also covers the wider context, voter ID and the impact of First Past the Post in Exeter elections.
Exeter local elections candidate is also standing in Winchester
University of Exeter student Harry Johnson-Hill hopes to represent voters both in Duryard & St James and at home in Alresford & Itchen Valley, 100 miles away.
Alphington worst represented ward as councillor attendance at public meetings varies widely across city
Consistent commitment to participation in democratic decision-making by some councillors in contrast with poor attendance rates of others.
Exeter City Council governance review postponed for seventh time
A major review of Exeter City Council governance, which has already been postponed six times and was not expected to address the issues it raises until July, making it nine months late, has now disappeared from the council’s forward plan altogether.
Council leader “chooses” not to follow Local Government Association guidance
When asked at April’s meeting of Exeter City Council why it does not follow Local Government Association guidance which explicitly advises against the council leader and planning portfolio holder sitting on the planning committee to avoid conflict of interest risks, council leader Phil Bialyk said: “I choose not to follow the guidance”.
Exeter City Council second home council tax increase delayed
Exeter City Council will not now be able to increase council tax charges on hundreds of empty and second or holiday homes in the city until April 2025 following delays with the government’s Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill, which provides for the introduction of the new charges.
