The government is set to delay elections for the new mayoral areas, including the Isle of Wight.
The BBC has confirmed the change in timing.
Shift from 2025 to 2028
The new mayoralties in Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton were originally scheduled for elections in May next year.
The revised plan sets the first contests for 2028. A formal announcement from the Government is expected later.
Reason given for the delay
Government officials intend to argue that the affected areas need more time to complete their local government reorganisation.
It remains unclear whether the Isle of Wight Council’s local elections will still take place in May 2026. Those elections had already moved once from May 2025.
Concerns raised on the Island
The Empowering Islanders Group fears the latest postponement of mayoral elections could also be used to justify further delays to Isle of Wight local elections.
Councillor Chris Jarman JP first used the phrase “Democracy Delayed is Democracy Denied” during Full Council meetings when members raised concerns about the earlier postponement of the 2025 elections.
The group strongly objected to the cancellation of those 2025 elections.
Councillor Jarman told OnTheWight that they have this morning written to all Isle of Wight Councillors suggesting an urgent letter is sent collectively by the Leader, CEO and All Members to the minister expressing, in the clearest terms, “our strong desire for our local 2026 elections to proceed”.
Robertson:
Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, Joe Robertson, said,
“The Government is threatening to cancel our Isle of Wight Council elections AGAIN. Elections should have taken place this year but may be delayed until 2028 which is an insult to Islanders.
“I asked the Minister to confirm that she will not cancel our Council elections next May because her plans for a Mayor and local government reorganisation are not complete. She did not give that confirmation.
“When Councillors were last elected in 2021 it was for a time limited period not an indefinite rolling arrangement on the whim of a dysfunctional Government.
“I will not serve as a Councillor beyond May of next year, whatever the Government decides to do.”
Background to the original timetable
The Government announced the initial election date in February when it confirmed that six new areas were joining the devolution priority programme.
At that time, it described the plans as the “key to unlocking regional growth”.
It also said the changes followed a long period during which “political power has been hoarded in Whitehall” for “too long”.
Article edit
11.35am 4th Dec 2025 – JR comment added
