Residents across Exeter have been left angry and bewildered following the announcement that the planned 2026 Exeter City Council elections will not go ahead.
At a time when local government in Devon faces major uncertainty, Labour’s decision to cancel elections denies Exeter residents their fundamental democratic right to choose who represents them.
Responding to the news, Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, Conservative Group Leader of Devon County Council and County Councillor for Topsham and Wearside, said:
“Plymouth and Exeter are only 50 miles apart, why are voters in Plymouth permitted to vote this year, but voters Exeter denied?
Clearly Labour are cancelling politically inconvenient elections, as a result of their political woes. The people of Exeter deserve the right to elect their representatives, particularly when Devon‘s future local government arrangements are still so unclear.”
The contrast could not be clearer. While voters in Plymouth are being trusted with their democratic voice, voters in Exeter are being shut out. With ongoing discussions about the future structure of local government in Devon, this is precisely the moment when accountability, transparency and public engagement matter most.
Local Conservatives are clear: elections should never be cancelled for party-political convenience. Democracy is not optional, and it must not be set aside because Labour finds the timing inconvenient.
Cancelling elections undermines public trust and weakens local accountability. Exeter residents deserve a say on the decisions that affect their city — now more than ever.
If you believe Exeter residents should not be denied their democratic rights, add your name to the petition today:
Click HERE to sign the petition to stop Labour cancelling elections in Exeter.
Conservatives are clear: these elections must go ahead. Exeter deserves the right to elect its council.
