MP warns Exeter council risks ‘tinpot autocracy’ over May elections

Exeter’s local democracy came under scrutiny in Parliament on 19 January 2026 as Conservative MP David Reed warned that the city council risks “losing its democratic mandate.”

Speaking during a debate on the potential postponement of local elections, Mr Reed said residents wanted their elections to go ahead in May, but claimed Labour super-majorities on Exeter City Council and in Westminster left little prospect of challenging any decision to delay polls. He accused the council of moving towards “some form of local tinpot autocracy.”

Minister for Local Government Alison McGovern rejected the accusation but said she would pass Mr Reed’s concerns on to the Secretary of State.

She confirmed no final decisions had been made about postponing elections, which are being considered as part of a wider government plan to reorganise councils into single-tier unitary authorities.

The government has invited councils affected by the shake-up to request delays to elections to allow staff to focus on the transition.

More than a third of councils set to undergo reorganisation have requested postponements, according to BBC research. Exeter is one of 23 councils seeking to delay elections.

Under the proposals, all district and county councils in England will be abolished, with new unitary authorities planned to come into existence from May 2028.

The reforms are designed to simplify decision-making and reduce duplication of services such as housing and social care. Similar postponements occurred during previous reorganisations between 2019 and 2022.

Exeter City Council elections are normally held “in thirds,” with a third of council seats up for election each year and a year off every fourth year.

The May 2026 elections would have seen 13 of the city’s 39 seats contested, including eight held by Labour, meaning control of the council could potentially have changed hands.

Decisions on whether the elections will proceed are expected shortly.