“Clarity and stability” This is why the government refused to bring forward mayor election in Hampshire
This is why the government refused to bring forward mayor election
The government refused to bring forward Hampshire and the Solent’s first mayoral election because ministers believed another timetable change would cause more disruption than benefit.
The region’s council leaders had asked for the vote, currently scheduled for May 2028, to be held a year earlier so residents could choose the person to lead the £1.3 billion devolution authority sooner.
But local government minister Jim McMahon said the government wanted “clarity and stability” while new mayoral strategic authorities developed the capacity needed to exercise their devolved powers.
In a letter to the leaders of Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight councils, and the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA), Mr McMahon said: “After careful consideration, I do not believe that the benefits of an earlier election outweigh the disruption this would involve.”
He added that there had already been “much change” to election arrangements and the structure of local government in the area, making it important to retain a clear plan.
The election was originally expected in May 2026 before ministers postponed it by two years amid plans to reorganise Hampshire’s councils.
Local leaders then sought a May 2027 election after the reorganisation timetable changed.
The HSCCA is operating under a board containing representatives from Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and the Isle of Wight Council.
Its elected mayor will take over as chairman in May 2028.
Current chairman, Nick Adams-King, previously said residents should have an earlier say over the leadership of an organisation gaining new powers and funding.
He said local leaders had made a “clear and practical case” for a 2027 election but would now work to the government’s timetable.
The mayor will oversee devolved responsibilities including transport, skills, housing, strategic planning and economic growth.
The original government consultation had proposed the creation of a mayoral authority covering Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, with the first election then envisaged for May 2026.
Mr McMahon said the government would instead support the authority’s development before the vote.
The letter, which has been seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, said ministers intend to establish a forum for areas in the devolution priority programme and are considering which additional powers could be made available before their first mayoral elections.