Friction is emerging as Devon races to put forward proposals for new boundaries that will define the distinct areas in which residents will be able to vote.
At East Devon District Council, a group of members from different political parties have collaborated to push for an emergency meeting to discuss the issue.
The pressure has been mounting because elected representatives from the independent group of councillors and their Conservative peers fear a lack of involvement in a process that will be of fundamental importance to their voters.
Councils have been put under severe pressure by the government to provide proposed new ward boundaries in a period of just weeks, and East Devon said it was trying to operate under a “very challenging timetable” and that it was “committed to keeping members informed”.
As part of the wider local government reorganisation process, which has confirmed four new unitary councils for Devon, the county now has to redraw its electoral wards.
These are the individual areas that councillors can stand in, and within which residents can vote.
Current wards in Exeter include St David’s and Haven Banks, Alphington, or Exwick, while in East Devon, they include Axminster, Cranbrook, and Ottery St Mary.
Devon County Council has larger ‘divisions’ which include Exmouth, Ilfracombe, and Salcombe.
But every single political ward and division in Devon will now have to be redrawn.
“The Boundary Commission would take years to change these wards, with multiple consultations, but it’s being done in weeks with a pen,” said Councillor Jess Bailey, who sits on both Devon County Council and East Devon District Council.
A statement from the independent and Conservative members on East Devon District Council, led by Councillor Melanie Martin and Councillor Colin Brown, respectively, said the local government review process was being “rushed through, without proper discussion or consultation”.
“Decisions are being made behind closed doors and are not transparent,” the statement said.
“Councillors represent residents and they are not being involved in the important changes to the rewarding of wards for the 2027 elections.
“This is not democracy or the way councils should operate.
“We accept there are tight timescales set, but there is time to engage with councillors and so members have asked for an extraordinary full council meeting so this can be properly debated.”
The government has given Devon just weeks to submit new ward boundary proposals, with an ideal deadline of 17 August. The council could ask for a delay, but even that would only buy it a few extra weeks at most as the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) seeks to push on with its reorganisation bid.
A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said the warding arrangements currently being considered as part of local government reorganisation were “interim proposals being developed within a very challenging timetable set by MHCLG”.
“We will be briefing members on the proposals through various internal mechanisms as part of that process,” the spokesperson added.
“We are committed to keeping members informed and engaged whilst we deliver the complex programme of local government reorganisation.”
Separately, Councillor Melanie Martin (Independent, Budleigh & Raleigh), the leader of the independent group of councillors at East Devon, said councillors needed to be involved in the process of drawing new wards.
“How do we respond to communities if the new warding boundaries have a negative impact on our towns and villages?,” she said.
“It’s not enough to say ‘I’m sorry but we weren’t invited to be part of the process, but you can have your say at a boundary review in five years’ time’.’
“We are the elected representatives of our communities and should be involved.”
It’s understood the process of the ward boundary review is being led by Devon County Council chief executive, Donna Manson, with input from senior officers from the county’s other 10 existing councils.
The government’s plan is to overhaul the make-up of Devon’s councils, moving to four large unitary councils that will replace the current 11 authorities.
In essence, Plymouth is expanding into the South Hams, Exeter is expanding into its neighbours, while Torbay will also grab parts of the South Hams and Teignbridge. The remainder of Devon will become a predominantly rural and coastal council.
Residents invited to share views on staying active in Exeter
Faster testing, financial support and better communication among Devon’s bluetongue demands
South West Water encourages households to check for hidden toilet leaks
Report of alleged serious assault being investigated in Exeter
Closure order granted for Exeter property linked to crime and anti-social behaviour
Royal Clarence Hotel developers to scale back on affordable housing
Dangerous cycle path set-up creating arguments between drivers and riders
Police appeal for information for wanted Exeter Man
Parking ticket row erupts over signage quarrel
Commissioner welcomes steps taken to meet summer policing challenge
E-fit released of man after disorder in Exmouth
Fires in Teignmouth
Devon’s Conservative MPs confirm they will fight next election
Improvements to begin at Higher Brook Meadow and Phear Park play areas
Exeter set for best solar eclipse in nearly 30 years
Devon’s Crisis and Resilience Fund available to help people facing sudden financial difficulties
