A petition protesting the possible cancellation of Isle of Wight Council elections due to be held this year has gathered over 500 signatures.
Ventnor resident David Allen’s Change.org appeal says elections ‘must go ahead’ so Island residents can decide on their representatives in May and whether they want a ‘mayor based in Hampshire’ making decisions for them.
‘Save our Vote! Do not Cancel Isle of Wight Council Elections On May 1 2025’ reads:
“The Isle of Wight Council’s leaders want to create a new Combined Authority with Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton, including a Hampshire-based elected Mayor making decisions for the Isle of Wight.
“In order to make this happen quickly, they have asked the Government to cancel our elections to the Isle of Wight Council due on May 1 2025.”
Last Thursday, County Hall’s cabinet approved an amendment proposal put forward by council leader Phil Jordan to progress rapidly with Whitehall’s controversial devolution plans.
The government has described the plans as initiating the ‘biggest transfer of power out of Westminster to England’s regions this century’.
Its proposals include ‘delivering deeper powers for more areas’ with new regional Strategic Authorities and mayors across England.
Cllr Jordan proposed the cabinet make a submission with other south coast authorities to be included on the government’s fast-track devolution programme and seek to defend and help the government understand the geography and historic status of the Isle of Wight’s local authorities since 1890, including its current unitary authority.
The motion also said the council should seek a 12-month postponement of Island elections, including those relating to town, parish and community councils, due to take place in May, to avoid being excluded from the fast-track scheme.
A cabinet report presented by Cllr Jordan to last week’s meeting said:
“Devolution provides the Hampshire and the Solent region, including the Isle of Wight with new opportunities for economic growth, as well as improved prosperity for all local authority communities and residents across the region, through investment in skills, housing, infrastructure and transport.
“Areas with a mayor will have access to additional funding including a long-term investment fund, powers from an agreed framework, a pathway to unlocking higher levels of devolution.
“Areas will also have access to government at the highest level.”
The petition is at https://www.change.org/p/save-our-vote-do-not-cancel-isle-of-wight-council-elections-on-1st-may-2025