The police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has announced her intention to stand in the first mayoral elections for the new strategic authority.
Hampshire and the Solent region was successful in applying to be part of the government’s devolution fast-track initiative.
Under this programme a strategic authority will be created and elections for a mayor will take place in May 2026.
Typically mayors will have responsibility for areas such as infrastructure, transport, skills, employment and housing, with powers and funding transferred from Westminster to the new authority.
Conservative Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Donna Jones, who was elected to a second term last year, said it was “clear” the current devolution proposals would likely see her role’s office and the governance of the fire service subsumed to the mayor’s office.
The former leader of Portsmouth City Council said:
“Embedding public safety within the broader scope of regional governance is key.
“Community safety must be a central pillar to benefit the unique aspects of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight; the two counties I care so deeply about.
“That is why I intend to run as mayor for Hampshire and the Solent in the mayoral elections in May 2026.”
Ms Jones said the plan for devolution was “one of the biggest changes in governance” nationally and locally in a generation.
It offered “huge” opportunities for the region, she added.
The current police and crime commissioner said strong public protection and safer neighbourhoods must be at the heart of the strategic authority.
Last month the government launched a public consultation on creating a strategic authority in the region.
Residents, businesses and stakeholders have until April 13 to share their views on the proposals for the areas covered by Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and Isle of Wight Council.
Other areas being fast-tracked include Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Norfolk and Suffolk, Greater Essex, and Sussex and Brighton.
The devolution strategic authority programme is separate to discussions taking place on local government reorganisation, which will see the current mix of two-tier and unitary councils, replaced with larger organisations delivering all services.
Former Public Toilets Conversion Scheme Withdrawn After Wroxall Parish Council Backlash
Former Trade Union Leader Appointed By Island's MPs To Look At Ferries
Two-Bedroom Apartment Could Be Installed Behind New Laundrette
Isle Of Wight Pupils Set Sail To Compete Against Hampshire’s Top Young Athletes
Still Time For Island Good Causes To Apply For Foundation Funding
Three Arrested Following Reports Of Woman In Possession Of Firearm In Ventnor
Isle Of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Welcomes 12 New Animals To Its Herd
Introduction Of Second Homes Premium – What You Need To Know
Large Villa-Style Property Could House Four New 'Starter Homes' In Totland
Dutch Braai Restaurant And Weddings Venue: New Plans Revealed For Disused Barns
Wave Of Acts Announced For Isle Of Wight Festival 2025
Discontent With Island Health And Social Care Services On The Rise Again — Report
Investigation Underway Following Death Of 28 Year-Old Man In Ryde
Former Ventnor Care Home Could Be Turned Into 'High Quality Housing'
Isle Of Wight Council Fighting To Maintain Status Quo In Face Of Local Government Reorganisation Plans
Cowes Lifeboat Team Saves The Day With Rescue Of Crippled Yacht
Historic Shanklin Summerhouse To Be Converted Despite Local Opposition
Teenagers In Drug Arrest Following Coppins Bridge Police Pursuit
New Warehouse Could 'Support Expanding Companies' And 'Deliver Islander Employment Opportunities
Tax Breaks Could Be Set To End For Isle Of Wight Private Schools
