Last night, Exeter City Council voted to delay its local elections. I am firmly opposed to that decision. People across Exeter deserve the right to vote, on time and as promised. Postponing elections denies residents the chance to have their say at the ballot box and creates serious questions about trust and accountability.
Members of the Exeter Labour Party have previously made clear commitments that elections would go ahead in May 2026. Local people now have a right to know: what has changed, who made this decision, and why those assurances are being set aside - especially given the council’s political make-up and the seats due to be contested. It is also striking that Plymouth City Council has chosen to press ahead with elections. That shows it is possible to keep to the democratic timetable. Exeter should be doing the same.
More broadly, I am concerned about the way this decision has been handled. Accountability cannot be something discussed only among council Leaders. Elected councillors as a whole should be involved, and above all, the public should not be shut out. Delaying elections raises fundamental issues about democratic mandate and the authority to govern. Local authorities that are due to deliver elections are resourced to do so. Politics should play no part in whether local people get their vote.
Whatever happens next, we will need to work together to deliver for Exeter. But we must do so with organisations and individuals who have a clear democratic mandate - and that mandate starts with letting the public have their say.
Democracy delayed is democracy denied.
