Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones has officially announced her intention to stand as the Conservative candidate for the upcoming position of Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent.
The landmark election is set to take place in May 2026, marking a new era of regional governance under the government’s devolution plans.
Donna Jones, PCC, a seasoned leader with a proven track record in public service, has expressed her commitment to delivering economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced public safety for the region. She described the prospective mayoral role as pivotal in attracting international investment, fostering job creation, and ensuring the delivery of top-tier public services.
Speaking to ITV News earlier today, she stated:
“This role is about bringing overseas investment into Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, attracting more jobs, more opportunity to our area, growing the prosperity, making sure more houses get built, and delivering really high-quality public services.”
Her unwavering dedication to the well-being of the region and its residents has been a hallmark of her career, making her a strong contender for the position.
The government is currently conducting a public consultation on the devolution proposals, which would establish a strategic combined authority covering Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight. Under this new framework, the office of the PCC would be abolished, with its functions—most notably oversight of policing and fire services—transferred to the newly elected mayor.
PCC Jones has already outlined her vision for the role, emphasising that community safety would be a “central pillar” of her leadership. Having served as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight PCC since 2021 and securing re-election in 2024, she has built a strong reputation for her proactive approach to law enforcement, crime reduction, and victim support.
Beyond public safety, the mayor would wield significant influence over transport, strategic planning, skills development, health, and regional regeneration—areas in which Jones has extensive expertise. Her tenure as leader of Portsmouth City Council from 2014 to 2018 saw her spearheading numerous initiatives aimed at urban development and economic growth, reinforcing her credentials as a capable and forward-thinking leader.
The public consultation on the devolution plans, including the introduction of the mayoral role, will remain open until Sunday, 13 April. The Hampshire and Solent region has been identified as a priority for the government’s fast-track devolution programme, underscoring the importance of the upcoming election in shaping the region’s future.
Candidates for the mayoral election must first secure their party’s nomination or declare as independents before officially entering the race. While no other individuals have publicly announced their candidacy, PCC Jones’ early declaration sets a strong precedent for a campaign centred on experience, leadership, and dedication to the people of Hampshire and the Solent.
As the consultation period continues and the selection process unfolds, Donna Jones stands as a formidable candidate, poised to leverage her deep-rooted commitment to public service in a bid to transform the region’s governance and prosperity.
Find out more at www.donna4mayor.com
Statement from PCC Donna Jones on devolution and the future of police governance:
“On Wednesday 5 February, the government announced Hampshire and the Solent region will be part of the devolution fast-track initiative. The decision to fast-track the application will establish a new Mayoral Combined County Authority for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, with elections for a Mayor to be held in May 2026.
“The plan for devolution in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is one of the biggest changes in governance nationally and locally in a generation. A new Mayor will take control of key services like transport, housing, skills and the economy. The opportunities that devolution offers our region are huge. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is home to over 2.1 million, boasts two airports, two of Europe’s largest shipping ports, two national parks, and critical national energy infrastructure. It also hosts some of the world’s leading defence companies. The region’s potential to promote local businesses and attract investment on both national and international stages should not be underestimated.
“But strong public protection and safer neighbourhoods must also be at the heart of the new mayoral combined authority. What is clear is that under the current devolution proposals, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the governance of the fire service will likely be subsumed by the Mayor’s office.
“Embedding public safety within the broader scope of regional governance is key. Community safety must be a central pillar to benefit the unique aspects of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight; the two counties I care so deeply about. That is why I intend to run as Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent in the Mayoral elections in May 2026.”
What is devolution?
Devolution is the biggest change to local government in a generation. Alongside the combined authority, there will be an elected mayor. With local council leaders, the elected mayor will make decisions about how to spend certain pots of money in HIOW. Working together across the two county’s boundaries in areas including transport, skills and employment support, housing and planning and tackling climate change. For detailed information on how the government proposes devolution for Hampshire and the Solent area, you can read this overview Hampshire and the Solent devolution consultation – GOV.UK
Can I take part in the government consultation on devolution?
Yes. The government launched a public consultation on Feb 17 which closes on April 13. The consultation seeks views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas in Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Isle of Wight Council, and Southampton City Council (referred to as Hampshire and the Solent in this consultation). You can find the consultation here, just follow this link: Hampshire and the Solent Devolution Consultation – About You – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – Citizen Space
What will happen to the OPCC?
Under the current plans, the OPCC remains but will become a department in the Mayoral combined authority; all statutory functions remain and must be delivered by the mayor. In combined mayoral authorities, a deputy mayor for policing, fire and criminal justice is appointed to complete the day to day work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
How will local government be reorganised?
Hampshire County Council has published information which may be useful here.
For more details click here.
