Elections postponed as Hampshire set for Solent mayor in devolution

Upcoming county council elections have been postponed as a result.

A new strategic mayoral authority will be create for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, with elections for the new mayor now likely to be held in May 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has announced on Wednesday five other potential devolution areas, including Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Essex Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton.

Ms Rayner told the Commons: “These places will get a fast-track ticket to drive real change in their area.

“While devolution can sound techie, the outcome is simple – it’s a plan for putting more money in people’s pockets, it’s a plan for quicker, better, cheaper transport designed with local people in mind, a plan for putting politics back in the service of working people.”

The decision, delayed from January 31, means that county council elections, due to take place in May 2025, are postponed, "given the urgency of creating sustainable new unitary structures and to unlock devolution for this area," Ms Rayner said.

In this regard, Liz Jarvis, the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, said the decision is “a disgraceful stitch-up”.

Southampton City Council welcomed the news, and its leader, Lorna Fielker, said being accepted on the fast-track program is a “major step forward”.

“I am pleased that, with the approval received today, the government is recognising the opportunity in the region and the contribution Southampton and its partners can make to the wider UK economy.

“Devolving powers from Westminster to a regional Mayor will mean decisions about our transport network, major infrastructure investment, employment support programmes and more will be made locally. It will also bring millions in additional funding to improve the lives of local people and drive economic growth.”

The leader of Hampshire County Council has been approached for comment.