Portsmouth MPs Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin have reacted to news that Portsmouth will be part of the devolution fast-track initiative.
Labour is embarking on a once-in-a-generation project to relight the fires of our regions by shifting power out of Westminster and into local communities.
Today’s announcement is the largest single package of mayoral devolution in England.
Six new areas including Hampshire & Solent will join the Devolution Priority Programme – with mayors to be elected in May 2026. These areas have come forward to take up the Government’s offer of their own accord. The Government is delighted to be working with them to put decisions back in the hands of local leaders with skin in the game.
Commenting, Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin said:
“Today, the Labour Government announced one of the largest ever single packages of mayoral devolution in England.
“I’m incredibly excited that Portsmouth and the wider area has been included in the first phase, shifting power, decision making, and money out of Westminster and into the hands of Portsmouth people.
“I am pleased to see our region moving towards stronger local leadership – Mayors have a proven track record of delivering growth and higher living standards. A Mayor means we’ll get a major injection of multi-year funding into our city, as well as control over housing and planning, transport, skills and training.
“It was brilliant to see the Deputy Prime Minister promise the full support of central government to our city.
“We know our area has huge potential, it’s time to unlock it.”
Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“Being born and bred here, I want what’s best for Portsmouth and its people. Today is a momentous day for our city.
“After being overlooked time and time again by the previous government, we now have the opportunity to bring investment to our communities, create much-needed jobs, and deliver prosperity to Portsmouth.
“Being included in the Labour government’s priority programme provides us with a once-in-a-generation chance to shift power out of Westminster into our community and put our city’s destiny in the hands of Portsmouth people.
“With strong local leadership and by working together we can bring this ambitious and positive change for local people and our community.”
This Labour government is delivering on the manifesto commitment to put control back in the hands of local people – giving local people unprecedented powers and putting our regions on a fast track to deliver growth, opportunities, transport and housing for local communities as part of the Plan for Change.
The new Mayors will take a more direct role in plans for their areas than ever before, equipped with a range of new powers across strategic planning, housing, transport and skills
