ELECTIONS to choose a ‘Heart of Wessex’ mayor are likely to take place in May 2026.

Leaders of unitary authorities in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire have all backed government proposals to take power away from Westminster and to give more decision-making powers to councils.

The government has been encouraging councils to join together as a combined authority, which supporters said would allow for greater cooperation with issues that cross boundaries such as transport, climate change and housing.

The leaders of Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire Councils have now sent a letter to the government to confirm they wish to be considered as part of the Devolution Priority Programme.

As part of this devolution proposal, new mayors would be created with a new ‘Heart of Wessex’ mayor proposed for the West Country.

The move is more in line with a perceived move toward regional mayors by the Labour Government, which hopes to build on the success of such moves in Manchester and the West Midlands.

Should the councils be successful in their application to join the programme, a new mayor will be elected to lead the new authority, with elections set for May 2026.

READ MORE: Plans for new Heart of Wessex region – and mayor – welcomed in Dorset

READ MORE: Leaders accept Heart of Wessex mayor plan as part of devolution proposals

The proposal is not a merger of the three councils. Each council will remain independent, continuing to serve its communities as individual authorities.

The leaders of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils, councillor Nick Ireland, cllr Bill Revans, and cllr Richard Clewer have issued a joint statement showing their collective support for being considered as part of the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.

The council leaders said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have submitted a letter to the Government showing our collective support for being considered as part of the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.

“Government wishes to progress devolution at pace, and we remain committed to being at the forefront of transformation in local government.

“Our Wessex proposal aligns well with the aims of the White Paper, encompassing a population of approximately 1.5 million, with scope for further growth should Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council join the partnership.

“This proposal is not a merger of the three councils. Each council will remain independent, continuing to serve its local communities as individual authorities.”

“We believe this scale of devolution ensures clear, accountable leadership to drive economic growth, improve public services, and invest in vital infrastructure.

“This model will see additional powers and funding handed down from central government, unlocking significant opportunities and benefits for our residents and businesses. Wessex is well-placed to support the Government’s growth priorities, particularly in clean energy, defence, digital technologies, life sciences, and tourism.

“We are committed to creating a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority and are determined to deliver the benefits of devolution through effective partnership working and our shared ambition to deliver the best outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors.

“We remain open to further discussions with BCP Council, Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council about potentially expanding the partnership should they wish to consider joining Wessex in the future.

“We will continue to work closely with Government to progress the Wessex proposal.”