The Tories kept the same number of seats held in 2022, while Labour made notable inroads, increasing its representation from seven to 13 seats. The Liberal Democrats also saw a modest gain, securing three seats. However, the election proved less fruitful for other contenders with no wins for Reform or the Green Party.
There are no councillors from any other parties and no independent candidates were elected either. Westminster, a borough considered one of the most high-profile wards in Thursday's local elections, has historically been a Tory stronghold. It shifted to Labour control in 2022, but political experts had widely predicted the Conservatives would win the council back. Conservative Westminster Group Leader, Paul Swaddle, described the result as fantastic, adding that he had been hopeful walking into the count tonight.
Labour has lost overall control of Exeter City Council after 14 years in power. While the party remains the largest group at the authority, it lost five councillors from the previous time the seats were up for election in 2022, taking its overall number down to 18 - two below the majority mark. The Green Party gained three seats to move to 10 seats overall and remains the second largest group at the authority while the Liberal Democrats gained a seat - taking their total to five.
