The House of Commons voted decisively last night to support Exeter’s bid for self rule.

A motion tabled by the Conservatives opposing Government plans to restore unitary government to Exeter and Norwich was defeated comfortably.

Conservative MPs from rural Devon and Norfolk lined up to criticise the plans.

But the proposals were strongly supported by Labour members including the former Home Sectretary and Norwich MP Charles Clarke.

The Chairman of the influential Commons local government select committee, Dr Phyllis Starkey, also supported Exeter’s case pointing out that is enjoys all party support in the city, including from Conservative councillors.

The Minister, Barbara Follett said the Government was restoring the full local government status Exeter had enjoyed for 800 years until it was taken away by the Conservative Government in the early 1970s.