Politicians have criticised the decision to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight wait until 2028 for its first elected mayor, with claims the region could miss out on millions of pounds.
Government rejects 2027 election request
As reported by OnTheWight earlier this week, the government has rejected a request from the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) to bring its inaugural devolution mayoral election forward from May 2028 to May 2027.
Liberal Democrats: ‘Big disappointment’
Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate and Winchester City Council leader Martin Tod (pictured above) described the decision as a “big disappointment” and claimed the area could lose out financially.
He said,
“In 2027, areas with mayors are set to keep around 20 per cent of all the business rates collected in their area to spend locally, but we won’t get that.
“That’s around £180 million which could have come to us locally to spend on building local skills, supporting local businesses, improving local infrastructure and protecting our local environment.”
Councillor Tod said the Liberal Democrats had been “ready to go” for a 2027 contest.
Labour welcomes extra time
Labour mayoral candidate and former Southampton City Council leader Lorna Fielker struck a different tone, saying she had wanted the election to move as quickly as possible but welcomed additional time to establish the authority.
Councillor Fielker said,
“By giving the existing combined authority time to build a strong operational base, the government is ensuring the future mayor has the exact tools, staff, and framework needed to start delivering real results from day one.”
Reform UK: ‘Incredibly disappointing’
George Madgwick, leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, called the decision “incredibly disappointing”.
Councillor Madgwick said,
“The combined authority, cross party, unanimously agreed to our desire to push it forward.
“This would save the taxpayer a large sum of money and unlock additional revenue for our country.
“This decision by the government is short-sighted, poor and proves their inability to govern effectively.”
Conservatives: ‘Second-class citizens’
Conservative mayoral candidate Donna Jones has accused the Labour government of treating Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as “second-class citizens” after refusing to bring forward the region’s first mayoral election.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Ms Jones branded the decision an “absolute disgrace” and accused the government of prioritising the north of England over the south.
She said,
“The people of Hampshire and the Solent should not be treated as second-class citizens simply because of where they live or how they vote.
“We are losing valuable investment opportunities, being denied the strong regional leadership we desperately need, and watching other parts of the country move ahead while Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are left behind.”
Ms Jones said,
“Every month of delay is another month of missed opportunity for investment in our roads, railways, housing, infrastructure, skills and jobs.
“It is businesses, families and young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who will ultimately pay the price.”
Ms Jones called on ministers to “urgently” reconsider, saying,
“We deserve fair investment, genuine devolution and a mayor who can fight for our region on the national stage.”
Why the election was delayed
HSCCA had argued an earlier election would give residents a quicker say over who leads the region as new devolved powers and funding arrangements develop.
The mayoral election was originally expected in May 2026 before being postponed to 2028 amid plans to reorganise local government.
HSCCA subsequently sought a May 2027 election after the reorganisation timetable changed.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
