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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

There's still a long way to go to fix council services. Council finances were left in the gutter by the previous Tory administration and are being starved by the national Labour government. Despite this, Lib Dems are leading the way and we're now back on the right track.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

📚 Funding for our libraries from Devon County Council will also increase. Our consultation makes clear libraries foster valuable community and learning spaces. We want to ensure this is on as sustainable footing as possible.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The budget for children and families sees the biggest increase, of £19 million (+7.7%). This will improve residential placements, workforce, and early targeted help.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

🛣 Our budget increases investment in our roads - £15 million extra on potholes this year with £10m extra every following year. Plus, an additional £4 million on gullies, drainage, verges, and preventative works.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Despite huge funding pressures caused by national govt, Lib Dem-led #Devon County Council has managed to deliver a balanced budget that increases funding for services residents value the most. Our budget has been approved by Devon CC unanimously, with 52 votes for, 2 abstentions, 0 against.

Lib Dem-led Devon County Council balanced budget approved unanimously. -More investment in our roads
-More funding for children and SEND
-More investment in our libraries

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

This constitutes an above inflationary rise considering the new £1m reserve to support the transformation of libraries and rural hubs.

Full council also agreed additional funding of £225,000 to restore the book fund to £500,000 and an extra £425,000 to support general library delivery during transition.

Together, these total £650,000, and reverses the proposed efficiency saving within the original libraries budget resulting in a libraries budget of more than £7 million.

In addition, a £1 million reserve for Libraries and Rural Hubs will be established to support genuine transformation and community led improvement.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

To Liberal Democrats, consultations are not just tick-box exercises. They are opportunities to listen, understand the strength of what people value, and agree more sustainable ways of working.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Funding for our libraries from Devon County Council will INCREASE following our budget yesterday. This is thanks to our team's hard work and commitment to libraries. It's clear libraries are valuable community and learning spaces - we want to ensure they're on as sustainable a footing as possible.

northdevongazette.co.uk

Devon libraries budget sees surprise plot twist in new funding reversal

Devon County Council backs late budget changes restoring library book funds and creating a £1 million reserve after major public consultation response

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

Every other party and the Electoral Commission have condemned the move. Plus, Devon CC and Teignbridge DC are offering capacity. There's a judicial review that will be heard and Lib Dems have tabled an amendment to prevent the cancellation of elections without full Parliamentary scrutiny & a vote.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

The Labour Minister has cancelled Exeter's elections this May after request by the Exeter Labour leader. Clearly, Labour are running scared of the public after failing to win any seats in last year's DevonCC elections. Sign the petition to have your say this May: exeterlibdems.org.uk/letexetervote

CONFIRMED: Labour CANCEL democracy this May. Cllr Kevin Mitchell said: "This is a sad day for democracy. I strongly always recognised that the electors are in charge not politicians."

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Labour are out of ideas for Exeter. They know their time in office is up. So they're running scared of the electorate. Don't let Labour take away your right to vote sign the petition here: exeterlibdems.org.uk/LetExeterVote

Labour-run Exeter City Council's Report Card. X £10m+ lost on their failed housing company and £50m+ wasted on their city centre vanity projects. X Littered streets, worst recycling rate in the South West, locals priced out of the city. X Cancelled elections so they can hide from the public.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Sign the petition on Exeter City Council's website: committees.exeter.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=63&RPID=84052010&HPID=84052010 and the national Lib Dem petition: libdems.org.uk/endthestitchup We will have our say! 📣 (5/5)

committees.exeter.gov.uk

ePetition - Protect Exeter residents’ right to vote – don’t cancel the 2026 City Council elections - Exeter City Council

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

"There is a clear conflict of interest in asking existing Councils to decide how long it will be before they are answerable to voters." - The Electoral Commission. (4/5) electoralcommission.org.uk/media-centre/electoral-commission-responds-potential-election-postponements

electoralcommission.org.uk

Electoral Commission responds to potential election postponements

We are concerned by the possibility of some council elections in May being postponed, and even more by any further postponement to those which already had been deferred from 2025.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

This Tuesday 13th January, the leader of Labour-run Exeter City Council will 'hear' from all city councillors ahead of requesting whether or not to cancel democracy this May. (3/5)

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

“To me, they’re doing it the wrong way around. They should be delaying local government reorganisation and not cancelling elections.” - Lib Dem leader of Devon County Council, Julian Brazil. (2/5)

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

All groups on Devon County Council have united to oppose cancelling Exeter's elections this May. (1/5) devon.gov.uk/news/devon-county-councillors-speak-with-one-voice-in-opposition-to-any-cancellation-of-elections/%3famp=1

devon.gov.uk

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Electoral Commission hit out at Labour postponing democracy: "Extending existing mandates risks affecting the legitimacy of local decision making and damaging public confidence. There's a clear conflict of interest in asking existing Councils to decide how long before they're answerable to voters."

electoralcommission.org.uk

Electoral Commission responds to potential election postponements

We are concerned by the possibility of some council elections in May being postponed, and even more by any further postponement to those which already had been deferred from 2025.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

In July 2025, we asked confirmation from Exeter Labour they wouldn't cancel the 2026 local elections. They said they wouldn't. Now the Labour Govt has scandalously decided to invite 60 councils (including Exeter) to cancel their elections this May, we hope Exeter Labour won't go back on their word.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Letter from Alison McGovern MP (Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness) to 60 council leaders inviting them to cancel the 7th May 2026 local elections: drive.google.com/file/d/1CbBU...

drive.google.com

181225 - Letters to Leaders_251218_161547.pdf

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Scandalous. 60 councils including Exeter invited to cancel 2026 elections. After winning 0 seats on Devon CC last May, Labour are attempting to cancel democracy this May. It would inflict further damage to Exeter Labour's credibility if they choose to cower from public by denying our right to vote

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Fantastic result in Seaton, which makes it 13/13 wins for Lib Dems in Devon by-elections since last May's local elections! Congratulations and well done to Steve and team and everyone who helped ensure Seaton is well represented. Also pleased Ed enjoys a proper scone!

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Will Aczel 🌍🔶 @willaczel.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Smashing result! Congratulations Cllr Kevin Smith. Down to earth, very nice, and in tune with the issues in his local area - the ideal choice! Also good to catch up with peeps We're continuing to turn the tide in Devon 🔶

Will, Theo and Joel out campaigning in the Kenn Valley byelection for Lib Dem Kevin Smith

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Exmouth & Exeter East Liberal Democrats 🔶 @eeelibdems.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Three wards in #ExmouthandExeterEast have services provided by Exeter City Council. Well done to the Progressive Group @exeterlibdems.bsky.social & @exetergreens.bsky.social for their collective action last night. Swimming pool closure plans will be scrutinised. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Swimming pool closure plans will be scrutinised

Campaigners against the closure of an Exeter pool say they are pleased with the result.

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Make Votes Matter @makevotesmatter.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

"The case for electoral reform is stronger than it's ever been... We need system change." @libdems.org.uk leader @eddavey.libdems.org.uk on Sky News today 👇

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

A phenomenal turnaround. All the better for tackling the top priorities we identified from local residents: fixing potholes, sorting out SEND, and addressing the Tories' financial mess, all with the approach of working in partnership with local communities and relevant authorities. 3/3

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

This will be vitally important in getting Exeter's voice heard in the local government reorganisation happening over the next few years. Across Devon, we had been 30 seats behind the Tories (out of 60 cllrs total). Now, it's looking like we'll lead the council. 2/3

Map of Devon County results 2021 and 2025 by ElectionMapsUK

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

Congratulations to Cllr Michael Mitchell, the new County Councillor for Duryard & Pennnsylvania! Big thank you to all helpers and supporters. The first Lib Dem County Councillor elected from the Exeter area for 16 years! 1/3

ELECTED Cllr Michael Mitchell for Duryard & Pennsylvania

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Mark Pack @markpackuk.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

A letter to The Guardian.

Your front page graphic on the local election results (1 May, print edition) omits the party that finished second but includes those that finished third and fourth.

You wouldn't publish a Premier League table and omit Arsenal, so why leave out the Liberal Democrats?

Yours sincerely,

Mark Pack

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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 02/05/2025

"If you're worried about the rise of divisive populist politicians like Donald Trump and like Nigel Farage, it will be the Liberal Democrats standing up for true British values." @eddavey.libdems.org.uk

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Today, 1st May, is polling day for Devon CC elections! 🔶 We're fielding a full slate of candidates across Exeter & the region. Hear from yours: exeterlibdems.org.uk/localwards/exeter-wards-devon With your help, we can close the gap on the Tories & get the representation we deserve in Devon.

Graphic showing the 9 Lib Dem Devon County Council candidates for Exeter, with their images in circles around a map of the DCC ward boundaries in Exeter. Make your voice heard with Exeter Lib Dems. Michael Mitchell for Duryard & Pennsylvania. Jamie Horner for Exwick & St Thomas. Will Aczel for St Sidwells & St James. Rod Ruffle for St Davids & Haven Banks. Vanessa Newcombe for Alphington & Cowick. Christine Campion for Pinhoe & Mincinglake. Paul Richards for Heavitree & Whipton Barton. Adrian Lock for Wonford & St Loyes. Philip Thomas for Wearside & Topsham. On 1st May in Devon vote Liberal Democrat. Only the Lib Dems can provide a fresh start for Devon. Bar graph showing Devon County Cllrs by party. CON 40. LIB DEM 10. LAB 6. OTH 4. Labour and Others can't win here.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

He was elected to Exeter City Council (ECC) for Duryard & St James in 2019 & reelected in 2023. On ECC, he's led campaigns to get council funding for Citizens Advice Exeter, requested the govt rethink its Winter Fuel Allowance cuts & campaigned on planning issues to maintain community balance.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Michael lives locally & has a proven record of standing up for local residents. Whether it's fixing Devon’s pothole crisis, ensuring every child gets the best start in life, or working towards reliable bus services, local champion Michael is determined to get a fair deal for Exeter from Devon CC.

Cllr Michael Mitchell speaking with a local resident on their doorstep. Graphic reads "The best choice for Duryard & Pennsylvania on 1st May: Cllr Michael Mitchell. A hardworking local champion who always always puts Duryard & & Pennsylvania first. A former teacher and university lecturer who understands the issues facing public services. A local resident who listens to you, speaks up and votes in support the issues that matter to you. LIB DEM 149 CON 102 LAB 32. Labour are in third place. Number of county and district councillors per party across Devon. Only the Lib Dems can provide a fresh start for Devon. Michael MITCHELL Liberal Democrats X

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Will Aczel 🌍🔶 @willaczel.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

I know from friends, family & door-knocking, PIP disability benefits are already dangerously too hard to claim. Yet Labour propose cuts. It's abhorrent to save from amongst our most vulnerable whilst inequality continues to rise. I’ve written to Exeter’s MP to make the case & clarify his position:

Letter from Will Aczel to Steve Race MP against Labour's proposed cuts to PIP disability benefits. For full alt text please visit https://www.exeterlibdems.org.uk/news/article/pipcuts

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Smashing stuff from Kerry and the team in North Devon! Coupled with recent by-election wins in Exe Valley and Instow, I suspect there's plenty more of this to come in Devon County Council elections just two weeks away now 🔶

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Our priorities for Devon CC focus on fixing the roads, sorting out SEND & addressing the Tories' financial mess, all with approach working in partnership with local communities & relevant authorities. Find out who's standing up for your community: exeterlibdems.org.uk/localwards/exeter-wards-devon

exeterlibdems.org.uk

Devon Elections - Exeter Liberal Democrats

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Meet your Lib Dem Devon County Council candidates for #Exeter! We're thrilled to announce a full slate of candidates not just across Exeter, but right across Devon & Cornwall. This means wherever you live in the region, you can vote Liberal Democrat for a fair deal.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Exeter Labour pledged a 35% affordable housing target a decade ago. These two planning decisions suggest they're happy to settle for 0%, out of 1,683 proposed units.

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

2wks, 2 planning decisions, 0 affordable homes for Exeter Gifting developers all power won't solve our housing crisis 'Major project approved with no affordable homes' bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1ezd64jwwxo 'Affordable housing scrapped from city development' bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqldr77y60go.amp

bbc.co.uk

Major Exeter development approved with no affordable homes

A waterside development in Exeter is given the green light despite concerns over affordability.

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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 16/01/2025

Let’s not kid ourselves. Donald Trump is a threat to peace and prosperity around the world. The UK will not be able to depend on the US to be a reliable partner on security, defence or the economy. How do we deal with Donald Trump? We need to do it from a position of strength.

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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 21/01/2025

If you don’t like what Trump is doing in America don’t let Nigel Farage do it here - take action - join the Liberal Democrats today: libdems.org.uk/join

libdems.org.uk

Join us

Become a Liberal Democrat member today.

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Will Aczel 🌍🔶 @willaczel.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

Since Labour slashed Exeter's street cleansing budget, regular sweeper teams are restricted to the centre. This leaves many areas of our city neglected; fuelling build-up of litter, creating a hazard for wildlife, wheels, paws & people. You can still report littering: exeter.gov.uk/clean-safe-c...

exeter.gov.uk

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Election Maps UK @electionmaps.uk · 10/01/2025

Instow (North Devon) Council By-Election Result: 🔶 LDM: 38.1% (New) 🌳 CON: 32.1% (+1.8) ➡️ RFM: 17.0% (New) 🙋 IND: 9.5% (New) 🌍 GRN: 3.3% (-11.1) No INDs (-26.2, -15.9, -4.0) or LAB (-9.2) as previous. Liberal Democrat GAIN from Conservative. Changes w/ 2023.

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Will Aczel 🌍🔶 @willaczel.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

Growing up & living in St James, I'm honoured to stand to be our representative on Devon CC. It’s a nice place to live - close to the centre, quirky architecture & real sense of community. I want to work with you to make St Sidwells & St James even better - where all our community can thrive. (1/4)

Graphic saying Will Aczel standing up for St Sidwells & St James. Will holds up a canvassing card that has Ayla the dog on it.

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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 06/01/2025

People have had enough of Elon Musk interfering with our country’s democracy when he clearly knows nothing about Britain. It’s time to summon the US ambassador to ask why an incoming US official is suggesting the UK government should be overthrown.

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Will Aczel 🌍🔶 @willaczel.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

Happy New Year! 🌟 As a friend I met when out delivering this evening said: starting the year as I mean to go on! Thank you to all those helping deliver in St James! Do get in touch if you'd be up for getting stuck in too in the run-up to 1st May 2025 Devon County Council elections 📣

Will Aczel holding up new year's cards in front of St James Park railway station

The contents of what's being delivered: new year's card of the cathedral, calendar, and letter

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Ed Tyldesley 🔶 @chulmleighed.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

A tale of woe and financial mismanagement from the Tories running DCC... And they want to delay the local elections to stay in power even longer! BBC News - Roads, renewal and reform - Devon politics in 2024 www.bbc.com/news/article...

bbc.com

Roads, renewal and reform - a review of politics in Devon in 2024

Local government in Devon is now on the cusp of major changes.

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LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

‪This ban isn’t just cruel; it’s a reckless, politically motivated attack on young trans people’s right to healthcare. It endangers lives, ignores medical evidence, and undermines devolution.‬ ‪We cannot — and will not — stay silent while trans lives are at risk!‬

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Exeter Lib Dems @exeterlibdems.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

The latest Exeter Citizen neglects how much Labour cut community grants: by 83% in past 3yrs. Community initiatives are invaluable. By cutting this vital support Labour are making it harder for them to succeed, reducing opportunities to improve Exeter. Source: exeterobserver.org/2023/05/03/e...

Exeter Citizen article 'Community groups win...' 8/17 community groups who applied received £15.75k

Graph from Exeter Observer article showing decline in Exeter CC community grants budget from £425k in 2021 down to £75k in 2024

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Tammy Palmer @gingernutfox.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

A pretty grim sight at the disused garage site on Vic Street this weekend , now with the EH team and hoping for some enforcement to the landowner to keep it clean, tidy and in good order

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