Police commissioner first official mayor candidate

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) has become the first candidate officially selected to run in the inaugural Hampshire and Isle of Wight mayoral election.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight PCC Donna Jones announced she had been selected as the Conservative candidate for the 2026 vote in the newly created Hampshire and Solent devolved region.

It is part of a devolution fast-track initiative, which will see the region gain power over transport, housing, education, healthcare and local economic development.

The initiative will see the creation of a new strategic combined authority, with a mayor in charge. Other political parties are yet to select their candidates.

The current roles and functions of the PCC are likely to be swallowed up by the mayor's office as part of the devolution.

Jones said she was "delighted" to be announcing her campaign.

In a launch video, she said: "For me, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is home, it's my happy place, it's where my heart is. Helping others and giving something back is part of my DNA."

Jones was leader of Portsmouth City Council for four years until 2018.

She was first elected as the Hampshire & Isle of Wight PCC in 2021 and then was re-elected in 2024.

Jones previously said she wanted community safety to be a "central pillar" of the new mayoral combined authority.

Talking about her campaign, Jones added: "I've been on the frontline, working tirelessly to make our area safer.

"I've got a proven track record and experience that matters.

"I'm ready to represent the place I love, the place that's given me both inspiration and opportunity."

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