West Country Voices

We are proudly independent: volunteer-run and free from corporate backing, advertising or government interference. This enables us to genuinely speak truth to power with full editorial freedom.

Our political values are progressive and internationalist. We are party-blind but policy-focused and pro electoral reform. We believe in a kinder world that puts people before profit, that values cooperation and inclusiveness, and that looks after our planet. We aim to be part of a new ethical and empathetic media that serves the public not the powerful or any particular party.

Founded in June 2020, we started out as West Country Bylines, part of Bylines Networks. In January 2022 we relaunched as West Country Voices, a spin-off with a more campaign-driven stance and a commitment to remain ad-free and volunteer-run. We have two patrons: Peter Jukes, founder of Byline Times, our mentor and inspiration; and David Haysey, who has backed our team from the very start.

In the publication’s short lifetime we have seen our government sink deeper into a mire of lies, incompetence and broken promises. Our mission is to highlight the shortcomings of our elected representatives and to shine a light on issues and debates which affect us on a national or regional level.

We use our voice to call for change.

Westcountry Voices covers Devon, Cornawall, Dorset & Somerset.