Basingstoke and Deane pledge to not delay 2026 elections

At a full council meeting on December 19, Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Harvey, explained that the government has announced that it is up to the council to decide if the May 2026 local elections will go ahead by January 15.

The information came as an amendment to a proposal by Cllr Simon Minas-Bound to oppose plans by the Labour Government to delay the election of a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Mayor until 2028.

Cllr Paul Harvey spoke on the amendment: "We have that choice. We have a duty to ensure our residents have the opportunity to vote in the elections. It is not for this council to cancel democracy.

“In terms of LGR, we are going to have to do some heavy-lifting. Having the electoral mandate to do that is really important. We need to have that electoral mandate to be here representing our residents' interests.”

Basingstoke and Deane council (Image: Newsquest)

Some councillors expressed concerns that the proposal and amendments were two separate issues, concerning both mayoral elections and local elections.

Cllr McCormick supported next year’s local elections, he said: “Four-year terms gives the public an opportunity to change their representatives if they think they are going too far. To have someone imposed for 7 years or longer, it doesn't sit well with me.

"We have to go with what the public says at the ballot box."

Cllr Gavin James declared: "I will be supporting the motion, if amended. I want to make an announcement that if the elections are cancelled, I do not think it right that I carry on six years. I will resign my seat and fight the election the same day it happens."

Cllr Jay Ganesh added: "We owe it to our residents that their democratic rights are upheld and they are fully informed about what has happened.

"We must make clear to make sure that we do have these elections as planned and to make sure democracy is upheld."

The amendment is voted on and is carried, with the council to indicate they wish the 2026 local elections to go ahead if the motion is approved.

As part of the wider proposal, to oppose the delay of the Mayoral election, Cllr Alex Lee suggested amendments, asking for an updated timetable on the plans and clarity as to interim arrangements and accountability mechanisms before the Mayor is voted in.

He also stated: “I am quitting in May, I want elections to take place because I am going, I am standing down and I want someone to replace me.

"The motion does raise legitimate concerns, the public were told they would be able to elect a mayor in 2026, and this has been moved to 2028, this risks undermining trust.”

Two of Cllr Lee’s amendments were approved with 44 voting yes and 8 not voting,  although councillors did voice concerns about ‘political point scoring.’

For the full motion, Cllr McCormick and Cllr West spoke in opposition, voicing that they would rather have more time ‘to get this thing right’ for the Mayoral elections.

Cllr Ganesh countered: “As councillors of Basingstoke and Deane, we have a duty to speak up, we must advocate for accountability. If this means writing to the secretary of state to reiterate, as councillors, we stand to rebuild the trust that has been damaged.”

Cllr Samuel Carr finished: "The voting public have abandoned the South of England. Delaying Hampshire's mayoral election will hold back economic growth, the government must reconsider and bring back the 2026 mayoral elections.”