Exeter (UK Parliament constituency)
Exeter is a constituency composed of the cathedral city and county town of Devon represented in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament since 2024 by Steve Race of the Labour Party.
Constituency profile
The Exeter constituency is located in Devon and covers most of the city of Exeter excluding some of its eastern suburbs. Exeter is a historic cathedral city with origins in the Roman period. It is home to the University of Exeter, which has around 30,000 students. The city is an important centre of employment with many commuters from nearby towns. The constituency has average levels of deprivation; the suburb of Pennsylvania near the university is affluent whilst the area around Wonford is more deprived. House prices are slightly below the national average.In general, residents of the constituency are young and well-educated. Levels of professional employment and household income are similar to national averages. White people made up 89% of the population at the 2021 census. At the city council, most of Exeter's suburbs are represented by the Labour Party with Green Party councillors elected in the city centre. At the county council, the suburbs are instead mostly represented by Reform UK. An estimated 57% of voters in the constituency supported remaining in the European Union in the 2016 referendum compared to 48% nationwide.
History
The constituency existed continuously as a parliamentary borough/borough constituency, electing two MPs from 1295 until 1885, when its representation was reduced to one MP by the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885.The constituency has had a history of representatives from 1900 of Conservative, Liberal Party, Independent and Labour representation. Since 1997, it has been held by the Labour Party, which currently has a majority of over 10,000, suggesting this is a safe seat for the party.
Boundaries
1918–1950: The County Borough of Exeter.1950–1974: As prior but with redrawn boundaries.
1974–1983: As prior but with redrawn boundaries.
1983–2010: The City of Exeter.
2010–2024: The City of Exeter wards of Alphington, Cowick, Duryard, Exwick, Heavitree, Mincinglake, Newtown, Pennsylvania, Pinhoe, Polsloe, Priory, St David's, St James, St Leonard's, St Thomas, and Whipton and Barton.
2024–present: The following wards of the City of Exeter :
- Alphington, Duryard & St James, Exwick, Heavitree, Mincinglake & Whipton, Newtown & St Leonard's, Pennsylvania, Priory, St David's, and St Thomas.
The 2023 Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies concluded that the electoral wards of Pinhoe, St Loyes and Topsham would be included in the new constituency of Exmouth and Exeter East.
Members of Parliament
MPs 1295–1660
MPs 1660–1885
''Two members''Elections
Elections in the 1950s
Elections in the 1930s
General Election 1939–40:Another General Election was required to take place before the end of 1940. The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place and by the Autumn of 1939, the following candidates had been selected;
- Conservative: Arthur Reed
- Labour: William Robert Robins
- Liberal: Henry Gebhardt
- British Union: Rafe Temple Cotton
Election results 1885–1918
Elections in the 1910s
Upon petition, this election was subject to a recount due to the closeness of the results. On the first count, St. Maur led with 4,786 votes to Duke's 4,782. On a second count, St. Maur again led with 4,782 votes to Duke's 4,778. Closer scrutiny led to the above count, allowing Duke to retain the seat.General Election 1914–15:
Another General Election was required to take place before the end of 1915. The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place and by July 1914, the following candidates had been selected;
- Unionist: Henry Duke
- Liberal:
Duke is appointed Lord Justice of Appeal and resigns, prompting a by-election.
Election results 1868–1880
Elections in the 1860s
Coleridge was appointed Solicitor General for England and Wales, requiring a by-election.Elections in the 1870s
Coleridge resigned after being appointed Chief Justice of the Court of Common PleasElection results 1832–1868
Elections in the 1840s
Follett was appointed Solicitor General of England and Wales, requiring a by-election.Follett was appointed Attorney General of England and Wales, requiring a by-election.
Follett's death caused a by-election.