Key Highlights
- All major political parties have confirmed their candidates for the first Hampshire and Solent Mayoral Election on 7th May 2026.
- The new directly elected mayor will hold significant powers over transport, housing, skills, long-term economic planning, and policing.
- Four political parties have put forward their nominees: Reform UK, Conservative Party, Labour Party, and Liberal Democrats.
- Council restructuring proposals are also being considered for the region, involving potential changes to unitary authorities.
The Race to Elect Hampshire’s First Mayor Heats Up
With just over a year until voting day on May 7th, 2026, all major political parties in Hampshire and the Solent have now finalized their candidate lists for the region’s first directly elected mayor. This election marks a significant shift in local governance, with the new mayor set to wield substantial power over transport, housing, skills development, long-term economic planning, and even policing.
Reform UK’s Rear Admiral Chris Parry: A Falklands War Hero
In a move that highlights the diversity of candidates, Reform UK has selected Rear Admiral Dr. Chris Parry as their nominee for mayor. Parry, who spent over 30 years in the Royal Navy and rose to the rank of rear admiral before retiring in 2008, is no stranger to heroism.
During the Falklands War, he played a crucial role in rescuing 16 SAS troopers stranded on a glacier in South Georgia and disabling an Argentine submarine. His distinguished career and proven leadership make him a formidable candidate.
Conservative Party’s Donna Jones: A Local Leader
The Conservatives have chosen Donna Jones as their candidate. Currently serving as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, she has also led Portsmouth City Council from 2014 to 2018. However, it’s worth noting that in November 2025, the government announced plans to abolish PCC roles by 2028, transferring their responsibilities to regional mayors. Despite this impending change, Jones brings a wealth of local experience and leadership.
Labour’s Lorna Fielker: A Southampton City Councillor
Lorna Fielker, a long-time resident of Southampton and local councillor, is Labour’s nominee. Leading the authority from January 2024 to July 2025, she brings considerable experience in local government. With over a decade living locally, Fielker aims to champion the interests of her constituents.
Liberal Democrats’ Martin Tod: A Winchester Leader
The Liberal Democrats have selected Martin Tod, leader of Winchester City Council. With a residency in Winchester since 2007, Tod brings strong local connections and leadership experience to the race. His background as a councillor provides him with a deep understanding of community needs.
Green Party’s Anna Collar: An Archaeologist and Activist
The Green Party has nominated Anna Collar, an archaeologist from Lyndhurst and associate professor at the University of Southampton. Known for her work in environmental sustainability and local activism, Collar ran in the 2024 General Election but was not elected. Her academic background and commitment to green policies make her a compelling candidate.
Reorganizing Local Government: A New Era
Beyond the race for mayor, Hampshire and Solent are also grappling with significant changes in local government structure. The region is exploring four proposals to reorganize councils into fewer, larger unitary authorities. This move aims to streamline governance but has faced some skepticism.
Proposed Council Restructuring
The four proposals under consideration include:
- Hampshire County Council & East Hampshire District Council – 4 Unitary Councils, covering Mid North (Basingstoke & Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor), South East (Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley), and the Isle of Wight.
- Basingstoke & Deane, New Forest and Test Valley – 5 Unitary Councils, with specific divisions as outlined in the original content.
- Eastleigh, Fareham, Hart, Havant, Portsmouth, Rushmoor & Southampton – 5 Unitary Councils with boundary changes, encompassing a more detailed regional breakdown.
- Winchester City Council – 5 Unitary Councils, again with specific divisions as outlined in the original content.
The consultation process for these proposals is set to close on January 11th, 2026. Residents are encouraged to engage and provide feedback through the official consultation portal.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Local Governance
The upcoming elections and council restructuring in Hampshire and Solent represent a pivotal moment for local governance. As voters choose their preferred candidate, they will also be shaping the future structure of their region’s administration. This dual process promises to bring both challenges and opportunities as the area navigates this new landscape.
Stay tuned for updates on the election and council restructuring as the story unfolds in Hampshire and Solent.
