Government delays Hampshire and Solent mayoral election to 2028

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 21:34 · Archive

The government has rejected calls to bring forward the inaugural Hampshire and Solent mayoral election from May 2028 to May 2027.

The government has rejected a request from the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) to bring forward the inaugural mayoral election from May 2028 to May 2027. The election was originally scheduled for May 2026 but was postponed by two years amid plans to reorganise Hampshire's councils, which have now been shelved.

HSCCA chairman Nick Adams-King said the decision was disappointing because residents would have to wait longer for direct say over the leadership of an authority gaining new powers and funding. A standalone mayoral election in 2028 is expected to cost between £6 million and £7 million. Political leaders reacted with dismay: Isle of Wight Conservative leader Ed Blake said the democratic rights of islanders had been 'unacceptably removed again', while Reform UK's George Madgwick called the decision 'incredibly disappointing'.

Liberal Democrat candidate Martin Tod claimed the delay would cost the region approximately £180 million in business rates it could have accessed from 2027 onwards under devolution arrangements for areas with elected mayors. He said the party had been 'ready to go' for a 2027 contest. Labour candidate Lorna Fielker took a different view, saying she welcomed the additional time to establish the authority and ensure the future mayor had the necessary tools and framework to deliver results.

How it is being reported

• Political backlash as Hampshire and Solent mayor election remains in 2028Politicians have criticised the government rejecting a request from leaders in Hampshire and Isle of Wight to bring forward the inaugural mayoral election.IW County Press · 29 Oct, 19:08
• "We deserve better" - Island leaders react as mayoral election confirmed for 2028Leaders at Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority HSCCA said ministers confirmed the inaugural poll will be held in May 2028 rather than a year earlier.IW County Press · 29 Oct, 13:56
• Government rejects bid to bring forward Hampshire and Solent mayor electionHampshire and Solent mayoral election will remain in May 2028 after ministers reject calls for a 2027 vote, despite plans for devolution and new powers for the region.Isle of Wight County Press · 28 Oct, 15:54

In this story: Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority · Isle of Wight · Hampshire · Nick Adams-King · Ed Blake · Martin Tod · Lorna Fielker

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