Isle of Wight political leaders and the UK’s largest trade union have spoken out following reports that next year’s Hampshire and Solent mayoral election could be delayed.
The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Empowering Islanders, Reform UK and UNISON issued statements after it was revealed that four areas due to elect newly empowered mayors in May may not vote on 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.
These areas would complete the local government reorganisation (LGR) process before the mayors take up their roles, 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.”
Joe Robertson, the Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, 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 (Miatta Fahnbulleh MP) 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.”
Cllr Andrew Garratt, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at County Hall, said: “Fully unlocking the benefits of devolution depends on having a democratically elected mayor, so this delay is immensely disappointing.
“It feels like central government didn’t properly think through what it was demanding of local councils both for devolution and LGR.
“It must get a grip. Councils can’t be left to lurch repeatedly from one government rethink to another.”
Cllr Chris Jarman, the Empowering Islanders’ group leader, called for “collective action” to secure the Isle of Wight’s local council elections next year.
Read more
- 'Vital' children's home could replace four-bedroom house
- Housing development given outline consent as Inspectorate rules on three appeals
- Two local councils oppose new Aldi store plans
- Hefty 61-point Coroner's Service Recovery Plan to come under the spotlight
- How to deal with the Island's stray dogs: County Hall to consider new policy
He said: “In a move to prevent expected seismic change of local councils in 2026, it appears the Labour government are poised to cancel Isle of Wight 2026 local elections.
“This follows the outcry following their cancellation of our local 2025 elections.”
Cllr Bill Nigh, leader of the Reform UK group, said: "The devolution plan was supposed to bring power closer to local residents and away from Westminster.
"Labour seem determined to undermine the idea that the people can have a greater say in the decisions that impact them. I am concerned that the next step will be cancelling the council elections next May.
"We are travelling down a very slippery and dangerous path."
Maggi Ferncombe, UNISON South East regional secretary, said: “The delay will no doubt be disappointing for many people. But it gives an opportunity to get LGR and devolution right, so residents receive the services they need. That has to be a good thing.
“But reorganisation mustn’t become a distraction from the real challenges facing councils. They include chronic underfunding, rising demand and the mounting pressure on dedicated staff who keep these services running.”
Alliance group and County Hall leader Phil Jordan and Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley, have been approached for comment.
More to follow.
Share