Hampshire Mayor Understand the new Mayor & Strategic Authority

The new Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent

On 4th May 2028, residents will elect a Mayor who will lead a new Strategic Authority for Hampshire and the Solent. The Mayor will work with the new unitary councils that replace Hampshire's current county and district councils.

Until the Mayor is elected, a Combined County Authority will operate from 2026, bringing together Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight.

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. CCA legislation + Local Government Reorganisation

  4. First mayoral election → Mayoral Strategic Authority

  5. New unitary councils join the Strategic Authority

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How the Strategic Authority Works

Mayor

Directly elected leader

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5 Seats

From councils

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Strategic Authority

Regional leadership

Focus: Regional strategy and planning
Will be delivered via CCA (transitional structure until Mayor elected in 2028)
Services: Run by councils
Unitary councils from 2028