Conservative mayoral candidate and current police and crime commissioner Donna Jones said Sir Keir Starmer’s failures and Mr Burnham’s “apparent indifference” to the south of England continued to hold Hampshire back. Liberal Democrat candidate Martin Tod said the additional powers would help make the region a stronger powerhouse for the national economy. The elected mayor will have devolved powers and responsibility for areas such as transport, housing and strategic planning and skills. “It will allow decisions about transport, skills, housing and economic growth to be shaped by local knowledge, local priorities and a clear democratic mandate.” Mr Adams-King said he made the case to bring forward the election directly to ministers Louise Haigh and Angela Rayner during a call on Friday.