Martin's Plan for More
The Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent holds a wide-ranging remit and wields significant influence. Any major proposal within the mayoralty requires the Mayor’s support, making it vital that the Mayor is a true champion for residents—someone with not just passion, but a proven track record of actually delivering MORE for local people.
Delivering effectively requires a Mayor who is respected by business leaders, parliamentarians, local council leaders, and residents alike. Equally, the Mayor must bring the skills and experience necessary to drive MORE across the full range of areas within the Mayor’s authority. We are fortunate that Martin ticks the box on all aspects of the Mayor’s job specification!
The expected powers of the new Hampshire and the Solent Mayor
We asked Martin to share his thoughts on policies and their development within the huge remit of the Mayor:
“I believe that we will have the strongest possible plan for MORE for our residents if we build on the ideas and expertise of the people and the businesses of Hampshire and the Solent.”
“That’s why I am already engaging with and inviting residents, businesses and interest-groups to share their views with me and help shape the Mayor’s policies and priorities across this huge geographical region – so we get a Plan that works for every part of the mayoralty.”
Please do contact Martin by clicking below to share your views on policy matters, volunteer, or sign up for e-mail updates on Martin’s campaign.
MORE Environment and climate initiatives
The Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of practical environmental initiatives across our region. Martin has made it clear that he believes the Mayor must do more—moving faster to reduce carbon emissions, tackle air and water pollution, and address the ongoing crisis in nature that we see in our region.
MORE housing and better planning
There’s an urgent need for more affordable homes – alongside the infrastructure to support the communities who live in them. The Mayor must work closely with councils to ensure the right homes are built in the right places. Martin is clear: we must put an end to unplanned development that fails to deliver either the infrastructure or the affordable homes our region needs.
Across Hampshire and the Solent, it’s Liberal Democrat councils that are showing real leadership by delivering both affordable housing and new council homes. Martin is determined to extend this successful, community-focused approach across the whole region.
MORE green transport
Martin wants the Mayor to tackle the region’s broken transport system. Communities face slow trains, decimated buses, costly ferries, and unsafe roads—while other regions get billions in investment. He’s determined to bring that funding here: more trains, buses, and ferries, smoother rail connections, and better links to the waterside. The Mayor should champion a frequent, reliable bus network, a rapid transit system, affordable ferries, and a safe, connected cycling network—giving everyone fast, sustainable alternatives to the car.
MORE skills, employment and business growth
The Mayor must have the skills, expertise, and persuasive ability to secure national funding for our region’s regeneration. Martin’s extensive business background makes him exceptionally well-suited to this challenge. Driving innovation, green growth, and job creation in our strongest sectors will be critical, alongside ensuring investment in regeneration, transport, and skills so that no community is left behind. Martin’s deep understanding of economic development levers, combined with his credibility with senior stakeholders, will be vital in delivering a robust economic plan for the region.
MORE action on health and wellbeing
The NHS’s new 10-year plan highlights the huge opportunity the Mayoralty provides to bring together the NHS’s healthcare with local councils’ social care – tackling health inequalities through better prevention and joined-up services. Martin, a former Chief Executive of the Men’s Health Forum, has been campaigning on health issues for over a decade.
Liberal Democrats are already leading the way in our region – from delivering new primary care facilities, to tackling poor housing, to investing in modern leisure centres. As Mayor, Martin will push even harder to reduce health inequalities, ensuring everyone in our region has the chance to live a healthier, longer life.
MORE local than central
Right now, there’s a big push towards centralisation. But Martin believes our Mayor should do the opposite — listening to local people, businesses, and community groups, and making sure decisions are rooted in what really matters here in our region. We’ve got so much talent and experience across our communities, and Martin wants to make the most of it for the benefit of local residents. His principle is clear: if something works best being kept local, then that’s where it should stay. Like all Liberal Democrats, Martin puts a high value on listening, learning, and staying connected with people. For him, that’s not just a promise — it’s how he already works.