Andy Burnham expected to accelerate Surrey and Hampshire mayoral devolution

Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver said he expects incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to “turbo‑charge” devolution, potentially paving the way for an elected mayor for the whole county. The council is being abolished and split into two unitary authorities in April, with a foundation strategic authority proposed as a stepping‑stone to a Surrey mayoralty.

In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, council leaders are preparing a letter to Burnham asking that the region’s first mayoral election, now scheduled for 2028 after a two‑year delay, be brought forward. They note the £6‑7 million cost of a separate poll and argue it should be aligned with the May 2027 local‑government reorganisation elections to save taxpayer money.