Angela Rayner today halted Labour's shake-up of councils, plunging the Government's controversial reorganisation of local authorities into fresh chaos.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said it had withdrawn decisions to streamline councils across a swathe of areas as it announced a review of plans.
It follows 'updated and privileged' legal advice and the review will allow ministers to 'ensure the process is robust and aligns with the new Government's plans to rewire the state', the department said.
At least eight councils have launched legal challenges or were considering doing so over decisions announced while Keir Starmer was prime minister.
MHCLG said decisions on the reorganisation of councils in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn in light of new legal advice.
