08/09/2026
Angela Rayner withdraws reorganisation of councils in Hampshire
Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, yesterday announced a Review of plans to streamline local government in many areas.
The Review includes withdrawing the decision on Hampshire and The Solent, in light of new legal advice.
To reassure local leaders and communities while this Review takes place, the Government confirmed that local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on existing Council boundaries.
The Government’s “Rewiring the State” White Paper on devolution will also set out plans to rewire the country and to ensure effective and sustainable local government in future.
Angela Rayner said: “As we are now determined more than ever to devolve power closer to the people we represent, it’s only right that, as the new Secretary of State, I make sure that everything we do is working towards that plan to change Britain.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last week that he was “prepared to look at local government reorganisation” and he asked Angela Rayner to do that.
Angela Rayner said: “In that context, in light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and, of course, complies with the law.
“And secondly I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and the new Prime Minister and any additional considerations.
“I do not take this lightly,” she said. “I recognise the huge amount of work that has already gone into progressing reorganisation . . . and I am very grateful for it.”
