Delaying the mayoral election is a disrespect to democracy

The Conservative contender for the upcoming mayoral elections in Hampshire and the Solent has strongly criticized the government's plan to delay the vote, calling it "a disgrace and an insult to democracy."

Authorities confirmed that elections for newly established mayoral positions in four English regions will be deferred. Hampshire and the Solent were originally slated for a fast-track devolution program, which included the creation of a combined authority and a mayoral election scheduled for May next year. The elected mayor would have led this new authority.

Donna Jones, the current Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, stated, "It is obvious that Labour is avoiding a direct contest with voters." All five major parties had already named their candidates, with Reform UK announcing theirs only on Wednesday.

The postponed elections, now set for 2028, will affect the new mayoralties in Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton.

Jones emphasized, "The government's choice to push back the 2026 mayoral elections is shameful and undermines democratic principles. The Labour party clearly fears facing the electorate. Their explanation that the delay is due to local government reorganization is nothing short of disgraceful and exposes the government's inefficiency."

The devolution initiative was intended to grant the region authority over transportation, housing, education, healthcare, and local economic growth. Jones added, "Our area urgently needs leadership on policing, transport, and development, yet Labour is immobilized by internal turmoil and constant political maneuvering. Their fear of the contest in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is evident to everyone."

Details on the main candidates:

• Conservative: Donna Jones, current Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
• Labour: Councillor Lorna Fielker, former leader of Southampton City Council.
• Liberal Democrats: Martin Tod, leader of Winchester City Council.
• Green Party: Anna Collar, archaeologist and associate professor at the University of Southampton.
• Reform UK: Rear Admiral Dr. Chris Parry, announced as candidate on Wednesday.

Officials have reached out to other candidates for comment regarding the election delay.

Author: Natalie Monroe