The Government has announced that Hampshire and the Solent region will be part of the devolution fast-track initiative.

As a result of this decision, the upcoming county council election has been cancelled.

The decision to fast-track the region application will establish a new Strategic Mayoral Authority for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, with elections for the new mayor now likely to be held in May 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has announced (February 5) six new potential devolution areas, these are Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Essex, Hampshire and Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton.

Ms Rayner told the Commons: “These places will get a fast-track ticket to drive real change in their area.

“While devolution can sound techie, the outcome is simple – it’s a plan for putting more money in people’s pockets, it’s a plan for quicker, better, cheaper transport designed with local people in mind, a plan for putting politics back in the service of working people.”

The decision, delayed from January 31, means that county council elections, due to take place in May 2025, are cancelled.

In this regard, Liz Jarvis, the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, said the decision is “a disgraceful stitch-up”.

Portsmouth South’s Labour MP Stephen Morgan called it a “momentous day for our city”.

He added: “After being overlooked time and time again by the previous government, we now have the opportunity to bring investment to our communities, create much-needed jobs, and deliver prosperity to Portsmouth.

“Being included in the Labour government’s devolution priority programme provides us with a once-in-a-generation chance to shift power out of Westminster into our community and put our city’s destiny in the hands of Portsmouth people.

“With strong local leadership and by working together we can bring this ambitious and positive change for local people and our community.”

Southampton City Council welcomed the news, and its leader, Lorna Fielker, said being accepted on the fast-track program is a “major step forward”.

“I am pleased that, with the approval received today, the government is recognising the opportunity in the region and the contribution Southampton and its partners can make to the wider UK economy.

“Devolving powers from Westminster to a regional Mayor will mean decisions about our transport network, major infrastructure investment, employment support programmes and more will be made locally. It will also bring millions in additional funding to improve the lives of local people and drive economic growth.”

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Nick Adams-King said he is “delighted” that Hampshire and the Solent have been added to the “once-in-a-generation” opportunity after submit eight attempts on devolution.

“I thank all Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight council colleagues for being so supportive and working in partnership to agree to the application.

“There can be no doubt this is good news for our residents, particularly those who live in our most deprived neighbourhoods where we will now be able to focus our efforts.

“It is good news for our businesses who can expect a much wider strategic approach to economic development to deliver growth for our region and it is good news for our public services who will see greater powers, and funding, devolved from Westminster to our area.”

In relation to the elections, he said that, while “no one likes to postpone” elections, he “hope” most residents, recognise it’s necessary for “us to do so until next year” to provide the “stability, the time and capacity to “enable us to focus on the vital task of getting devolution right.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “I am pleased Hampshire and The Solent has been selected as part of the Devolution Priority Programme and will ensure our area can benefit sooner from additional powers and investment for jobs and skills, housing and transport at a sub-regional level.

“I have always said I favoured a deal for just the Solent area without an elected mayor, but government ruled this out as an option so we now focus on what we can do to make a positive impact for our area, and one benefit a mayor would bring is a seat for our region at the Government’s new Council of Nations and Regions.

“We’re expecting government will fund the necessary changes without any impact on local taxpayers and once it has set out the next steps we’ll work with our partners to move things forward and get the best possible deal for our residents.”