BREAKING: Government performs 13th U-turn as Exeter local elections appear to be back on

The government has abandoned plans to postpone local elections in Exeter and dozens of other council areas following a legal challenge.

Ministers today (February 16) confirmed they would revoke legislation that was set to delay polls for 30 local authorities across England.

The elections, originally scheduled for May, had been postponed while the councils underwent a structural reorganisation. 

However, the move faced an immediate backlash from opposition parties and a High Court challenge from Reform UK.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had argued that holding the votes would be a waste of resources for councils that were destined to be abolished or merged by 2028.

In Exeter, the city council had formally requested a delay, citing a lack of "capacity" to run a ballot while simultaneously planning for a move to a new unitary authority for Devon.

Critics, however, accused the government of "stifling democracy." Reform UK, which launched the legal complaint, argued the cancellations were a political move to protect sitting councillors from a "wipeout" at the polls.

The reversal means that voters in Exeter should now head to the polling stations on 7 May 2026 as originally planned.

Exeter Today has contacted the leader of Exeter City Council, Phil Bialyk, for comment on the government's decision.

The reversal is being viewed by Westminster observers as the latest in a series of significant 'U-turns' for the Starmer government. 

Following recent retreats on mandatory digital IDs and the winter fuel allowance, this decision to reinstate local elections marks the 13th major policy shift since Labour took office. 

Critics, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, have been quick to label the move a 'surrender,' claiming the government realised their legal position was unsustainable just days before a scheduled High Court hearing.