Cross-party letter challenges Exeter council request to delay May elections

Leaders from five opposition groups in Exeter have united to write to the Government, challenging the council’s request to cancel the 2026 local elections amid local government reorganisation plans.

The letter warns that cancelling the elections could undermine democratic accountability and extend councillors’ terms without a fresh mandate.

The council’s Labour leadership says the postponement is necessary to free up staff capacity and funding to manage the complex transition to a new unitary authority, under plans that would see Exeter City Council abolished in 2028.

The joint letter, signed by leaders of the Green Party, Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Equity Independent Group and Reform UK, says opposition councillors have “low confidence” that their views were fairly represented in the council leader’s request to the Government. 

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It warns that cancelling the elections is not based on evidence and risks extending councillors’ terms without a fresh mandate.

“People died for their right to vote,” said Councillor James Banyard. “This isn’t a postponement, it is cancellation of the elections, since residents won’t get another opportunity to vote for Exeter City Council.”

Opposition councillors say the request marks a clear break from previous commitments and undermines public trust. 

During a three-hour full council meeting last week, Green Party leader Councillor Diana Moore reminded members that the council leader had pledged last year that the 2026 elections would go ahead. 

She also criticised repeated arguments from Labour councillors about capacity and complexity, which she said ignored confirmation from the council’s chief executive that reorganisation would continue regardless.

“Yet one after another, Labour councillors trotted out variations of the same arguments…what had been presented as a listening exercise became a party political broadcast,” Councillor Moore said. 

She added that opposition contributions defending democratic principles were dismissed and criticised the Lord Mayor’s decision not to allow a recommendation calling for elections to proceed.

The council’s Labour leadership says the postponement is necessary to free up staff capacity and funding to manage the complex transition to a new unitary authority, under plans that would see Exeter City Council abolished in 2028.

Mr Bialyk said the postponement would allow the council to focus fully on reorganisation, while assuring residents that democratic processes are not being suspended. 

He added that elections for the new shadow authority are expected to take place in around 15 months, giving the public the opportunity to have their say before the new council is established.

The Government has yet to make a decision on Exeter City Council’s request to postpone the May 2026 elections.