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Local government

Hampshire to Hold Inaugural Mayoral Elections in May 2026

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The government has confirmed that Hampshire will hold its inaugural mayoral elections in May 2026, following the launch of the Devolution Priority Programme. The elections will elect a mayor for the whole of Hampshire, as part of devolution, which will transfer powers and funding to local government and create a new strategic authority headed up by a Mayor. This comes after Hampshire and Solent was given the green light to move forward with devolution in February. The new unitary councils, which are being restructured through Local Government Reorganisation, will be a separate body from the new strategic authority.

Key Takeaways:

  • The mayoral elections for Hampshire are scheduled to take place in May 2026, with the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, confirming the date in a speech in the House of Commons on July 17.
  • The elections will elect a mayor for the whole of Hampshire, as part of devolution, which will transfer powers and funding to local government and create a new strategic authority headed up by a Mayor.
  • The new unitary councils, which are being restructured through Local Government Reorganisation, will be a separate body from the new strategic authority.
  • The May 2026 elections will be held under the First Past The Post voting system.
  • Legislation will be brought before Parliament to establish the institutions early in 2026, allowing for the relevant statutory tests to be met and devolution to proceed.
  • The areas undergoing devolution will have access to a 30-year investment fund for areas which undergo devolution, as stated in the English Devolution White Paper.
  • The new strategic authority will have the powers they need to deliver more jobs, easier commutes, and new homes for local people.

Statistics:

  • The May 2026 mayoral elections will be held under the First Past The Post voting system.
  • 30 years of investment has been committed to devolved areas through the English Devolution White Paper.
  • The areas undergoing devolution will have access to funding certainty for long-term planning.

Sources:

  • [1] "Devolution Priority Programme"
  • [2] "English Devolution White Paper"
  • [3] "Local Government Reorganisation"
  • [4] "Jasmine Kelly, Byline"

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