By Isle of Wight Observer
Joe Robertson, MP for IW East, has outlined five “red lines” as negotiations continue over proposals for a directly elected mayor representing the Isle of Wight and Hampshire.
Mr Robertson’s demands, set out in a letter to Local Government Minister, Jim McMahon, include powers over cross-Solent ferry operators, ring-fenced funding for the Island to prevent it being “raided” by Hampshire, and recognition of the Island’s unique challenges.
He has also called for negotiations to explore an independent mayor solely for the Isle of Wight, and insists any final deal must go to a public vote for Islanders to decide.
The MP cited responses from over 1,600 residents in his survey to support his stance. “This is a pivotal moment to secure a fair deal for the Island. We need long-term, ring-fenced funding to address our unique needs,” he said.
Mr Robertson urged council leaders to negotiate hard, warning against accepting an “off-the-shelf” deal. “If we fail to secure a robust arrangement now, we risk being sidelined and losing critical opportunities,” he added. “If we don’t secure a fair arrangement while we can still block the Government’s plans for a mayor, we will have squandered an opportunity and once again find ourselves being ‘done to’.”
Mr Robertson has opposed the Labour’s plans for devolution and a combined mayor with Hampshire since they were first announced.
When the Conservative government was in power, before Mr Robertson was elected, they also supported devolution for the Hampshire and Solent areas.
