Exeter City Council
As Exeter embarked upon the Bank Holiday Weekend, a gentle stir could be felt in the corridors of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, where Gerald the Giraffe, the venerable stuffed exhibit, presides.
Most years, the city commemorates the beast, who has been ‘sticking his neck out’ since 1920. Similarly, in most years, the Exeter City Council elections typically unfold with results sparing the need for predictions that mirror Gerald’s pose.
Labour, like an immovable elephant, reaffirmed its might in Exeter’s political landscape. Despite watching from afar the Green Party’s recent gains in Bristol, Labour maintained its stronghold. The Greens, resembling sprightly squirrels, made small gains in the central ward of Newtown & St Leonards but must venture deeper into suburban territories to become a significant force.
The Liberal Democrats, much like cautious foxes, stayed within their familiar territory of Duryard & St James gaining a councillor here but failed to expand their influence elsewhere. Their presence, though consistent, lacked the breadth needed to unsettle the larger political beasts.
The Conservative Party, almost as rare as a woolly mammoth, continues its retreat. Once formidable, they are now reduced to echoes of the past, losing Topsham to Labour’s advance. An Independent, riding the wave of resentment over controversial traffic policies, captured Heavitree. This issue nearly cost Labour another seat in Mincinglake and Whipton, reminding even the dominant that challenges can arise.In this museum of political wildlife, Labour remains the dominant force, like Gerald the Giraffe standing tall among the exhibits.
While smaller parties add diversity, none have yet mustered the strength to seriously challenge the established order. For now, Labour can graze peacefully, all but guaranteed dominance at the local and parliamentary levels in the city. But the landscape of Exeter politics could change – assume a change of Government in 2024, and it might be Labour retreating over a period of years as national incumbency progresses the circle of (political) life.
