Political leaders on the Isle of Wight have reacted with dismay and disappointment to confirmation that Hampshire and Solent mayoral elections will not be brought forward from 2028.
Leaders at Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) – a new regional tier of government – said ministers confirmed the inaugural poll will be held in May 2028 rather than a year earlier.
The election was originally due in May 2026, but the government postponed it by two years amid plans to reorganise Hampshire councils which are now put on hold.
Why was the election postponed?
HSCCA then asked for it to be held in May 2027 after the timetable for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) changed.
Conservatives: Democratic rights removed
Councillor Ed Blake, leader of the Isle of Wight Conservatives, said,
“The government cancelled our Isle of Wight Council elections to make way for LGR.
“They then made a mess of plans to bring in a mayoral authority, cancelling the elections to that too; leaving us with a combined authority set up making decisions about the Island without an elected mayor.
“This body is still called ‘Hampshire and the Solent Combined Authority’. Islanders did not vote for its existence and now they won’t even be able to vote for who runs it until May 2028.
“The democratic rights of Islanders have been unacceptably removed again.”
All for Islanders question the cost
All for Islanders leader, Councillor Chris Jarman, said introducing a new layer of government was “always questionable”, with a new mayor, board, chief executive, senior staff and “new costs”. He said,
“No resident or business on our Isle of Wight voted for the imposition of this.
“It is a central government driven change, rather than offering people the choice through a democratic referendum.
“It is no surprise that central government refused the request to get on with the job which they themselves demanded, following as it does on the debacle of indefinite postponement of the much-lauded ‘local government reform’.
“Again, we are faced with more confusion, more delay, and doubtless more cost. All for something we never asked for in the first place, and for which the government refused to allow inclusion of our Isle of Wight county name.”
Liberal Democrats warn of lost investment
Councillor Andrew Garratt, who leads the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats, said the government’s decision is a “big disappointment”. He said,
“From 2027, regions with mayors will benefit from new arrangements for retaining business rates and accessing growth funding.
“By refusing to bring forward our mayoral election, the government risks leaving Hampshire and the Isle of Wight missing out on millions of pounds of investment in local businesses, skills, infrastructure and the environment.
“And without a mayor, we will also lack a direct voice at the table with government speaking up for our interests and needs.
“Instead, while other regions get a head start on growth and investment, the Island and our region will be left waiting. We deserve better than that.”
Reform UK: time to build foundations
Councillor James Whelan, leader of the Reform UK group, said that while it is disappointing that the government chose not to bring forward the mayoral election and allow residents their say sooner, the additional time should allow the combined authority to establish strong foundations. He added,
“This includes developing clear policy priorities, embedding effective committee structures, and ensuring Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are well placed to make the most of the opportunities devolution can bring for local residents.”
Government response
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has been contacted for a comment.
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
