Government rejects bid to bring forward Hampshire mayor election

Summarised from 6 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 17:11 · Archive

The government has rejected requests to move Hampshire's inaugural devolution mayoral election from May 2028 to May 2027. Leaders at the Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA), which covers Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, had asked for the vote to be brought forward to give residents an earlier say in electing a mayor.

The mayoral election was originally scheduled for May 2026 before ministers postponed it by two years during plans to reorganise Hampshire's councils. Those reorganisation plans have since been shelved, leading the HSCCA to request that the election be held in May 2027 instead of 2028.

HSCCA chairman Nick Adams-King, the Conservative leader of Hampshire County Council, said the decision was disappointing. He stated: 'We made a clear and practical case: residents should have an earlier say in who leads our region, with an elected mayor able to champion our interests as new powers and funding arrangements take shape. I remain convinced that would have been the right decision.'

Mayoral candidates from the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have previously backed an earlier election, as has a senior Reform UK councillor. However, the government has confirmed the vote will remain scheduled for May 2028.

A standalone mayoral election in 2028 is expected to cost between £6 million and £7 million, with a reserve created to meet the bill. The timing also has financial consequences for the HSCCA, which will now gain new powers and funding before residents have the opportunity to directly elect its leadership.

How it is being reported

• Devolution mayoral election will not be brought forward after bid to move it is rejectedIt was hoped Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents could vote in 2027The News, Portsmouth · 28 Oct, 17:18
• Hampshire mayor election to remain in 2028 as Government rejects calls to bring vote forwardResidents across the region will have to wait until 2028 to elect their first devolution mayor after the Government rejected calls to bring the vote forward by a year.Bordon Herald · 28 Oct, 16:34
• Government rejects bid to bring forward Hampshire 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.Romsey Advertiser · 28 Oct, 16:23
• Government rejects bid to bring forward Hampshire 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.Basingstoke Gazette · 28 Oct, 16:23
• Government rejects bid to bring forward Hampshire 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.Andover Advertiser · 28 Oct, 16:23
• Government rejects bid to bring forward Hampshire 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.Southern Daily Echo · 28 Oct, 15:48

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

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