However, these plans were rejected in the south due to objections from Isle of Wight Council, and in the north of the county due to disagreements and the likelihood of the constituent authorities being reorganised.

[1][2][3][4] A Dorset combined authority was proposed by the county's former nine constituent councils, and was being considered by the two unitary councils (Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) which replaced them in April 2019.

[5][6] In 2021 a new plan including Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole was being pursued, though lacking appetite for a mayor.

[8][9][10][11][12] Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council considered joining Hampshire and the Solent, but ultimately voted in favour of joining Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire in the Heart of Wessex proposal.

[13][14][1] The formation of a mayoral combined authority for Hampshire and the Solent was agreed by the UK government in February 2025.