Welcome for Exeter election U-turn

'You should not mess with democracy'

News that Exeter’s May council elections will be going ahead after all has been welcomed.

The government U-turn was announced yesterday in the face of a legal challenge by Reform UK.

Exeter’s Labour leader Phil Bialyk (Exwick) had successfully applied to the government to call off the planned polls in 13 of the council’s 39 wards in May, saying resources would be better used preparing for the forthcoming local government reorganisation (LGR).

He said that by not having the elections the council would save a quarter of a million pounds and officers’ time could be better used preparing for LGR.

Exeter was named as one of 30 councils across the country where planned elections would not take place.

But yesterday’s shock U-turn by the government – taken on ‘legal advice’ – means council officers must now start preparing for the polls again.

Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil (Lib Dem, Kingsbridge) said the county authority was pleased at the news.

He went on: “You should not mess with democracy. The people of Devon have a right to decide who represents them.

“We took a clear, principled stance. This decision is a victory for democracy. I am proud to be part of a council which opposed the cancellation unanimously.”

The Green Party in Exeter has also welcomed the U-turn.

Group leader Diana Moore (St Davids) said: “Voting is a right, not – as Labour seems to think – a privilege. Denying millions of people their right to vote, including those here in Exeter, was a dangerous decision.

“Cancelling the local elections was a disgraceful disregard of democracy. It was always about political self-interest and a fear of the electorate. I am sure Labour will come to regret that decision on May 7.”