Lib Dem candidate for mayor named

Martin Tod is currently leader of Winchester city council

The leader of Winchester city council has been selected as the Liberal Democrats candidate for a new regional mayor.

Martin Tod was chosen in a online vote by members which took place during August.

Elections for the mayor for Hampshire and the Solent are due to take place in May 2026. Whoever is elected will lead a new strategic combined authority.

The area has been selected for a fast-track to devolution, which will see the region in control of decision making and spending on transport, housing, education, healthcare and local economic development.

Martin Tod said it was an "exciting opportunity" and a chance for working across a wider area.

"How do you have a meaningful discussion about the trains between Southampton and Portsmouth which travel ridiculously slow and need to be dramatically improved when you have three different transport authorities? It's a really good example of where the mayor can make a difference."

Last month, Donna Jones, the current police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight announced she had been selected as the Conservatives' candidate.

The Labour candidate is due to be revealed on November 7th.

The only person to have declared an interest that the BBC is aware of is former Southampton city council leader Lorna Fielker.

Reform and the Green party are also expected to put candidates forward.