Wessex region to elect first mayor in May 2028

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 16:50 · Archive

Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire will elect a regional mayor in May 2028 after Chancellor John Healey confirmed a devolution deal in the budget.

Chancellor John Healey confirmed in the budget on 28 October that a new devolution deal for Wessex would go ahead. This will create a mayoral authority covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Residents will vote to elect their first Wessex mayor in May 2028.

Somerset Council has been campaigning for greater devolution of powers and funding from central government under the 'Wessex Partnership'. Prime Minister Andy Burnham signalled support at Prime Minister's Questions on 21 October, saying he was 'always happy to create more mayors'. The chancellor's budget confirmed that ten new devolution deals would go ahead, with Wessex among them.

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans said the local authority would be set up next year, with mayoral elections following in May 2028. He described the government's decision as 'incredibly good news for this region' and said it would bring 'significant inward investment'.

The council leaders of BCP, Dorset and Wiltshire issued a joint statement calling the government's decision 'a significant vote of confidence in our region'. The devolution deal remains subject to consultation and formal government announcement.

How it is being reported

• Somerset getting new Wessex mayor to shape local decisionsNew Wessex mayor following this week's budget announcementSomersetLive · 29 Oct, 13:45
• Budget 2026: elections for new Wessex mayor to be held in May 2028Chancellor of the exchequer John Healey MP confirmed in his budget statement that Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire will get their own mayorBridgwater Mercury · 29 Oct, 10:17
• Budget 2026: elections for new Wessex mayor to be held in May 2028Chancellor of the exchequer John Healey MP confirmed in his budget statement that Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire will get their own mayorSomerset County Gazette · 28 Oct, 15:50

In this story: John Healey · Andy Burnham · Bill Revans · Somerset Council · Dorset · Somerset · Wiltshire

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