Donna Jones Raises Concerns Over Potential Delay To Local Elections

Donna Jones, Conservative candidate for Mayor of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has voiced strong opposition to reports suggesting that local elections scheduled for May 2026 could be postponed for a second time.

According to The Times, some county council leaders across the UK have called for the elections to be delayed again due to cost concerns.

However, the Leader of Hampshire County Council has publicly rejected the idea, confirming he does not support a further postponement.

Donna Jones said:

“A second delay to local elections would be completely unacceptable.

"Residents have a right to choose who represents them, and that choice should not be postponed by Ministers.

"Last year’s delay was to enable devolution to proceed, but that process is now complete.”

She added that the mayoral election for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, due to take place in May 2026, is not affected — but warned that local democracy must not be undermined.

“The cost of elections is being cited as the reason for a delay, but what value do you put on democracy?

"Taking away people’s voice is wholly unacceptable.

"The Isle of Wight isn’t due to be affected by local government reorganisation, so any further delay here would be unnecessary.

"Elections must go ahead as planned in 2026.”

Jones also welcomed confirmation from Cllr Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, that he has not requested and will not support a postponement.

Local elections were previously postponed in February 2025, affecting nine areas involved in the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme, including Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Any further delay would now require new primary legislation, meaning a Bill would need to pass through both Houses of Parliament.

The first Mayor of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be elected in May 2026, taking on devolved powers across transport, housing, skills, regeneration, the environment, and public safety.