Hampshire and Solent mayoral election to stay in May 2028

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 15:52 · Archive

Hampshire and the Solent's first mayoral election will remain scheduled for May 2028 after the government rejected a cross-party request to hold it a year earlier.

The government has rejected a request to bring forward Hampshire and the Solent's first mayoral election from May 2028 to May 2027. Local government minister Jim McMahon said in a letter to council leaders that another timetable change would cause more disruption than benefit.

The region's council leaders had asked for an earlier vote so residents could choose a leader for the £1.3 billion devolution authority sooner. Mr McMahon said the government wanted 'clarity and stability' while new mayoral strategic authorities developed the capacity needed to exercise their devolved powers.

'After careful consideration, I do not believe that the benefits of an earlier election outweigh the disruption this would involve,' Mr McMahon wrote. 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 again.

The Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) currently operates under a board with 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.

Nick Adams-King, the HSCCA's current chairman, had previously said residents should have an earlier say in 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 elected mayor will oversee devolved responsibilities including transport, skills, housing, strategic planning and economic growth.

How it is being reported

• Why the government refused to bring forward Hampshire mayor electionHampshire and the Solent’s first mayoral election will remain in May 2028 after ministers rejected a 2027 vote for the £1.3bn devolution authority.Romsey Advertiser · 3 Nov, 09:30
• Why the government refused to bring forward Hampshire mayor electionHampshire and the Solent’s first mayoral election will remain in May 2028 after ministers rejected a 2027 vote for the £1.3bn devolution authority.Andover Advertiser · 3 Nov, 09:30
• Why the government refused to bring forward Hampshire mayor electionHampshire and the Solent’s first mayoral election will remain in May 2028 after ministers rejected a 2027 vote for the £1.3bn devolution authority.Basingstoke Gazette · 3 Nov, 09:30
• Why the government refused to bring forward Hampshire mayor electionHampshire and the Solent’s first mayoral election will remain in May 2028 after ministers rejected a 2027 vote for the £1.3bn devolution authority.Southern Daily Echo · 2 Nov, 16:35
• Donna Jones slams Hampshire and Solent mayor election decisionThe first Hampshire and the Solent mayor will be elected in May 2028 after ministers rejected a cross-party request to stage the vote a year earlierThe News, Portsmouth · 2 Nov, 10:38

In this story: Jim McMahon · Nick Adams-King · Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority · Hampshire · Southampton · Portsmouth · Isle of Wight

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log