MP Warns Of ‘Insult To Islanders’ As Fears Grow Over Possible Election Delay

The government’s plans for new regional mayors have sparked fresh concern on the Isle of Wight, with fears that next year’s Isle of Wight Council elections could be delayed yet again.

Elections for new mayors in regions including Sussex & Brighton, Hampshire & the Solent, Greater Essex and Norfolk & Suffolk have now been pushed back to May 2028, with ministers saying more time is needed to complete major local government reorganisation.

But Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson says the move raises serious doubts about whether the Island’s own council elections will go ahead next May as planned.

He said the situation is “an insult to Islanders,” adding:

“The Government is threatening to cancel our Isle of Wight Council elections AGAIN.

"I asked the Minister to confirm that she will not cancel our Council elections next May — She did not give that confirmation.”

Mr Robertson also made clear he will not continue in office beyond the current term:

“I will not serve as a Councillor beyond May of next year, whatever the Government decides to do.”

Ministers maintain that local elections for 2026 are still scheduled, but uncertainty remains over what this means for the Island.