The new mayor of Hampshire and the Solent could appoint non-constituent members to help them with their policies and work as part of “devolution revolution” according to a government minister.

Local government and English devolution minister, Jim McMahon has launched six surveys to help develop new mayoral authorities across England, a move which he said will help shift “power out of Whitehall and into our regions.”

Hampshire and the Solent, Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton are six regions in the UK working towards mayoral polls in May 2026.

Devolution would see Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, and Isle of Wight Council work together as one combined local authority.

The proposal, which is now open to a public consultation until Sunday, April 13, would see additional funding and investment from the government to the local authority and include powers over transport, education, healthcare, and housing.

READ MORE: Devolution consultation opens on new mayoral strategic authority

According to government papers, directly elected mayors would have new powers, including the right to establish a “key route network” on their area’s most important roads, a greater say in railway planning, and control over grant funding for new homes and regeneration.

Devolution could also see mayors appoint non-constituent members of the new mayoral authority from organisations, including from district councils, NHS trusts or the police and crime commissioner.

They can also appoint associate members “who can provide particular experience or expertise – for example, on active travel or local businesses” – but will not have voting rights on the proposed mayoral boards.

They will sit alongside constituent members of the authority, chosen by county or unitary councils. According to survey documents the mayor of Hampshire and the Solent – which includes the Isle of Wight – would be able to appoint up to five non-constituent and associate members.

In the surveys, the Government has asked respondents to say to what extent they agree or disagree that establishing a new authority “will deliver benefits to the area” and “will support the economy of the area.”

Jim McMahon, devolution minister, said: “We are committed to shifting power out of Whitehall and into our regions, ensuring local leaders have the tools they need to tackle local priorities and realise their areas’ potential as part of our Plan for Change.

“Our Devolution Priority Programme will deliver that power at pace, and I encourage local residents to be part of our ‘devolution revolution’ by contributing to these consultations.”