Exeter’s May elections explained

Voters across Exeter will head to the polls on Thursday 1 May to elect new representatives to Devon County Council – even as the council itself faces an uncertain future.

As reported by Guy Henderson, of Radio Exe, the elections go ahead despite the fact that Devon is on the brink of the biggest local government reorganisation in decades. The current two-tier system – where seven district councils and Exeter City Council operate beneath the county council – is expected to be replaced by a smaller number of larger ‘unitary’ authorities, similar to those in place in Plymouth and Torbay.

Devon County Council, currently led by the Conservatives, had requested to postpone the elections while it navigates this major restructuring, but the government turned that request down.

That means voters in Exeter will still head to the polls to choose new councillors for divisions across the city, alongside some local by-elections being held on the same day.

Exeter’s confirmed County Council candidates:

Alphington & Cowick

• Yvonne Atkinson (Labour and Co-operative) – Standing for local investment and continuing her long-standing support of public services and green infrastructure.

• Lucille Baker (Conservative) – Focuses on community safety and protecting local amenities.

• Holly Gillett (Green) – Advocates for bold climate action and better public transport.

• Vanessa Newcombe (Lib Dem) – Campaigning on education and care for the elderly.

• Neil Stevens (Reform UK) – Calling for cuts to council waste and lower taxes.

Duryard & Pennsylvania

• Tony Badcott (Labour and Co-operative) – Pledges to protect local services and improve affordable housing.

• Bernadette Chelvanayagam (Green) – Promoting net-zero targets and sustainable transport.

• Rob Hannaford (Conservative) – A senior councillor, known for supporting infrastructure upgrades and family services.

• James Holman (Reform UK) – Campaigns on limiting council spending and opposing 20mph zones.

• Michael Mitchell (Lib Dem) – Former city councillor focusing on community engagement and roads.

Exwick & St Thomas

• Andy Cooper (Green) – Prioritising green space protection and community climate resilience.

• John Harvey (Labour and Co-operative) – Aiming to restore pride in local services and social housing.

• Jamie Horner (Lib Dem) – Interested in healthcare access and youth services.

• Kayleigh Luscombe (Conservative) – Pledging better value for money and local policing.

• Tony Stevens (Reform UK) – Advocates for less bureaucracy and more direct action on potholes.

Heavitree & Whipton Barton

• Tina Beer (Reform UK) – Critical of current council spending and promises leaner local government.

• Jack Eade (Green) – Youth candidate pushing for sustainable schools and active travel.

• Katherine New (Conservative) – Campaigns on family safety and financial stability.

• Liz Pole (Labour and Co-operative) – A county councillor with a focus on equal opportunity and inclusive growth.

• Paul Richards (Lib Dem) – Known for backing local businesses and road safety improvements.

Pinhoe & Mincinglake

• Martin Ayres (Green) – Standing for nature conservation and school sustainability.

• Ian Baldwin (Conservative) – Emphasises road maintenance and tackling anti-social behaviour.

• Paula Black (Labour and Co-operative) – A local NHS campaigner aiming to tackle inequality.

• Christine Campion (Lib Dem) – Champions fair education and early years support.

• Edward Hill (Reform UK) – Promises to oppose "excessive salaries" at County Hall.

St David’s & Haven Banks

• Myles Hatcher (TUSC) – Running on a platform of anti-austerity and public ownership.

• Andy Ketchin (Green) – Calls for resilient communities and local food systems.

• Rose Lelliott (Labour and Co-operative) – Focused on cost of living support and housing fairness.

• Rob Newby (Conservative) – Stresses fiscal responsibility and efficient services.

• Rod Ruffle (Lib Dem) – Supports accessibility, especially for older residents.

• Fran Wroe (Reform UK) – Focused on transparency and cutting red tape.

St Sidwells & St James

• Will Aczel (Lib Dem) – Advocates for greener transport and better student housing.

• Lucy Findlay (Labour and Co-operative) – Champion of the social enterprise sector and community wealth building.

• David Luscombe (Conservative) – Supports business growth and safer streets.

• Thomas Richardson (Green) – Wants more local food production and renewable energy.

• Jo Westlake (Reform UK) – Criticises the current council structure and calls for radical change.

Wearside & Topsham

• Rosie Green (Green) – Defends biodiversity and clean air initiatives.

• Andrew Leadbetter (Conservative) – Senior councillor focused on investment and jobs.

• Chris Owen (Reform UK) – Wants "common sense" government and less interference.

• Philip Thomas (Lib Dem) – Advocates for care services and transparent governance.

• Carol Whitton (Labour) – Former Lord Mayor standing on equality and children’s wellbeing.

Wonford & St Loyes

• Anne Jobson (Conservative) – Focuses on value for money and senior care.

• Johanna Korndorfer (Green) – Campaigning for cleaner streets and better recycling.

• Adrian Lock (Lib Dem) – Pushing for better transport and library services.

• Dave Mutton (Labour) – Known for work on anti-poverty initiatives and inclusive communities.

• Angela Nash (Reform UK) – Stands for smaller government and local autonomy.

What you need to know

• The voter registration deadline has now passed.

• Postal vote application deadline: 5pm, Monday 14 April

• Proxy vote application deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 23 April

Polling stations across Exeter will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 1 May.

While many voters may be casting their ballots without knowing exactly what form Devon’s councils will take in the near future, this year’s election could still shape how that transformation unfolds — and who helps lead the city through it.