Both the Isle of Wight’s MPs have confirmed their intention to step down from their councillor roles at County Hall.
Isle of Wight East Conservative MP Joe Robertson and the Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley, issued statements after it emerged mayoral elections were set to be delayed.
Mr Robertson represents Bembridge on the Isle of Wight Council, whilst Mr Quigley serves as the councillor for Cowes North.
Their eventual departures from the local authority could result in by-elections being called in their wards if no County Hall elections are held next year.
Delay in mayoral vote
It emerged yesterday (4th December 2025) that four areas due to vote in mayors vested with devolved powers next May may not elect them until May 2028.
Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, yesterday 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 two years later than previously planned.
Local government reorganisation
These areas would complete the local government reorganisation (LGR) process before the mayors take up their positions, he said.
LGR forms part of Whitehall’s reform programme for English local government which would see new unitary authorities replacing the two-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.”
Robertson: An insult to Islanders
Yesterday morning, Mr Robertson said he believed the government is also threatening to cancel Isle of Wight Council elections again.
He told OnTheWight,
“Elections should have taken place this year but may be delayed until 2028 which is an insult to Islanders.
“I asked the Minister (Miatta Fahnbulleh MP) to confirm that she will not cancel our council elections next May because her plans for a mayor and LGR 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.”
Mr Robertson said he would not serve as an Isle of Wight councillor beyond May next year, “whatever the government decides to do”.
Quigley: Delays are sometimes necessary to get the best possible outcome
Asked when he planned to step down as a councillor, Mr Quigley said “at the moment”, local elections are due to take place in May 2026.
Responding to the mayoral elections delay, he said,
“It’s great to see that all parties are now aligned on the positive impact a mayoral authority will make to the Isle of Wight.
“Whilst it is disappointing for anything to be delayed, sometimes it’s necessary to get the best possible outcome.
“I have spoken with the Minister to ask that the proposed increases in funding are made as soon as possible, so the Island can make investment plans with partners now rather than later.”
The government yesterday announced a 30-year funding package for six regions due to get mayors through devolution.
Investment will be given once mayors are in post, Whitehall confirmed.
Funding
As reported by OnTheWight in September 2025, the proposed Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority would receive £44.6 million per year under the plans.
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
