Politicians have criticised the decision to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight wait until 2028 for its first elected mayor, with claims the region could miss out on millions of pounds.

The government has rejected a request from the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) to bring its inaugural devolution mayoral election forward from May 2028 to May 2027.

Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate and Winchester City Council leader Martin Tod described the decision as a “big disappointment” and claimed the area could lose out financially.

He said: “In 2027, areas with mayors are set to keep around 20 per cent of all the business rates collected in their area to spend locally, but we won’t get that.

Hampshire Reform UK Leader Cllr George Madgwick
Hampshire Reform UK Leader Cllr George Madgwick (George Madgwick)

“That’s around £180 million which could have come to us locally to spend on building local skills, supporting local businesses, improving local infrastructure and protecting our local environment.”

Cllr Tod said the Liberal Democrats had been “ready to go” for a 2027 contest.

Labour mayoral candidate and former Southampton City Council leader Lorna Fielker struck a different tone, saying she had wanted the election to move as quickly as possible but welcomed additional time to establish the authority.

Cllr Fielker said: “By giving the existing combined authority time to build a strong operational base, the government is ensuring the future mayor has the exact tools, staff, and framework needed to start delivering real results from day one.”

Hampshire Labour mayoral candidate Cllr Lorna Fielker mayor
Hampshire Labour mayoral candidate Cllr Lorna Fielker (LDRS)

George Madgwick, leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, called the decision “incredibly disappointing”.

Cllr Madgwick said: “The combined authority, cross party, unanimously agreed to our desire to push it forward.

“This would save the taxpayer a large sum of money and unlock additional revenue for our country.

“This decision by the government is short-sighted, poor and proves their inability to govern effectively.”

HSCCA had argued an earlier election would give residents a quicker say over who leads the region as new devolved powers and funding arrangements develop.

The mayoral election was originally expected in May 2026 before being postponed to 2028 amid plans to reorganise local government.

HSCCA subsequently sought a May 2027 election after the reorganisation timetable changed.