It is ‘regrettable’ that the Hampshire and Solent mayoral election is set to be delayed, Isle of Wight Council leader Phil Jordan and 3 other local authority chiefs have said.
In a statement earlier this week (Friday), councillors leading Hampshire County Council, the Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council emphasised the postponement was not of their making.
Steve Reed, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, updated the House of Commons on devolution earlier this week. He said the government was minded to hold the first mayoral polls for Sussex and Brighton, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex in May 2028 rather than next May, as previously planned.
These areas would complete the local government reorganisation (LGR) process before the mayors take up their roles, he said.
LGR forms part of Whitehall’s reform programme for English local government which would see new unitary authorities replacing the 2-tier system of county and district councils.
Mr Reed said:
“Devolution is strongest when it is built on strong foundations, therefore moving forward we will ensure strong unitary structures are in place before areas take on mayoral devolution.”
The statement from the council leaders said:
“We would like to clarify that the decision to propose a delay to the mayoral elections has been made solely by the government.
“None of the Upper Tier Local Authorities which includes Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and Isle of Wight Council, requested a postponement of the May 2026 mayoral elections.
“We are seeking further information regarding the implications of this government decision.
“Although it is regrettable that the mayoral election will be postponed – particularly for those who have already put themselves forward – our primary priority remains the progression of devolution.
“This process promises greater local decision-making authority, increased investment, and stronger representation for our region.”
They added that it is ‘essential’ that Hampshire and the Solent’s regional perspective is represented at national level, given its size and significance.
Its not “regrettable” its a disaster. Especially if it means we are to be stuck with the council we have now! They have no mandate to hold their positions. Moreover they are an undemocratic, incompetent and dysfunctional mess that are incapable of serving Islanders. We must have elections now!
Well said
The council elections will be held as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of Mayors
The council elections will go ahead as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of Mayors
The council elections will be held as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of Mayors
The council elections will be held as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of Mayors
Regretable says jordan tongue in cheek and smirking quietly to himself, yippee another couple of years of ripping off the tax payers for my slary I have no right to receive.
Exactly
The council elections will be held as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of Mayors
The council elections will be held as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of the Mayors
The council elections will be held as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of Mayors
The council elections will be held as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the election of Mayors
What salary would that be?
Well this wasn’t going to happen with Liebour running scared.
I expect someone had a dream and mentioned it to Mr Smarmier, who announced it, before it was thought through properly, like most of their hare brained schemes.
Expect the various councils involved are rushing to the trough of plenty while it’s still available.
China has a one party system and I don’t see them complaining…
That’s right, and their government so openly welcomes criticism.
Surely it is for the position of mayor only so if, big if, democracy is allowed then we will have the opportunity to remove the current “dysfunctional” incumbents. As for choosing a mayor, this begs the question as to whether we want or need one!
What ever happened to democracy!!
The council elections will be held as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of Mayors
The council elections will be go ahead as planned in May 2026 this only refers to the elections of Mayors