Somerset Council leader Bill Revans has ruled himself out of the race to become the first mayor of Wessex.

The new mayoral authority is planned to cover Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with the first election expected in May 2028.

Cllr Revans made the announcement at a Somerset Council executive meeting on Wednesday, 4 November, after Conservative opposition leader Cllr Diogo Rodrigues challenged him over the proposed authority's costs, powers and possible use of a tourism tax.

Cllr Rodrigues asked whether the council leader would rule out using the new authority to impose further taxes on Somerset residents and businesses. The Conservatives have campaigned against a possible visitor levy, arguing it could affect tourism and seasonal businesses.

Cllr Revans said it was not appropriate for him to make promises on behalf of a future mayor. He then clarified that he would not be a candidate himself.

He said: "For the avoidance of doubt, though, I will not be putting myself forward as a candidate for that election."

Cllr Revans defended the proposed authority against claims it would add another layer of local government. He said it would bring powers and funding from central government to the region, and would focus on economic growth, skills, transport, infrastructure and business support.

He said the estimated value of additional funding for local growth across the whole Wessex area was £464 million a year. The figure is a regional estimate; no share for Somerset was set out at the meeting.

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The four councils involved are still working through the details of the arrangement. Cllr Revans said each authority would need to formally agree to join, with the final decision for Somerset to be made by the council's full membership.

The mayoral authority is expected to be established by summer 2027, ahead of the planned 2028 election.

Nub News has previously reported that Somerset residents are expected to vote for a Wessex mayor in May 2028. This latest development confirms Cllr Revans will not be among the candidates, while leaving open the question of whether a future mayor could introduce a visitor tax.

Reporting by: Daniel Mumby/LDRS

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