Local Elections To Go Ahead On Isle Of Wight In May

Voters across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will head to the polls in May, after the Government confirmed local elections will take place as planned.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government formally confirmed the decision today (Thursday January 22), ending speculation that proposed local government reorganisation could lead to the vote being delayed.

Elections will go ahead for Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and the Isle of Wight, among other authorities.

Announcing the decision in the House of Commons, Steve Reed OBE MP described the planned reforms as a “once-in-a-generation” change to local government, aimed at cutting bureaucracy and improving services.

He said the changes would lead to faster decisions on housing, simpler access to services, and more funding for priorities such as road repairs, tackling crime and supporting older people.

Mr Reed added that the decision followed careful consideration of concerns raised during the consultation process, including issues around capacity, reorganisation and democracy.

Hampshire County Council leader Nick Adams-King welcomed the announcement, saying he was pleased elections would go ahead as scheduled.

He said:

“Democracy is not a task to be dropped when it becomes inconvenient or difficult.”