Hampshire Mayor Understand the new Mayor & Strategic Authority

The new Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent

On 7th May 2026, residents will elect a Mayor who will lead a new Strategic Authority for Hampshire and the Solent. This will initially include five seats alongside the Mayor - two for Hampshire County Council, and one each for Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and the Isle of Wight Council.

In 2028, Hampshire's current two‑tier system of county and district councils will be reorganised into new unitary councils. The Strategic Authority seats will then be held by these new unitary councils instead of the current councils.

Key Topics

Explore the main topics

What is a Mayor? Your directly elected regional leader Powers Transport, skills, housing & investment Working with Councils From 2026 MCCA to 2028 unitary councils Strategic Authority England's most powerful devolved governance Scrutiny Local councillors hold Mayor to account FAQ Quick answers to your questions

Key Milestones

  1. English Devolution White Paper published

  2. MCCA consultation for Hampshire & the Solent

  3. MCCA legislation + Local Government Reorganisation

  4. First mayoral election → Mayoral Strategic Authority

  5. New unitary councils join the Strategic Authority

View Full Timeline

How the Strategic Authority Works

Mayor

Directly elected leader

+

5 Seats

From councils

=

Strategic Authority

Regional leadership

Focus: Regional strategy and planning
Will be delivered via MCCA (transitional structure)
Services: Run by councils
Unitary councils from 2028