The Government's decision to withdraw its local government reorganisation (LGR) strategy from across two counties has left residents 'in limbo', according to an MP.

Speaking to the LDRS, Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns (Con) said she welcomed Westminster's retreat from plans to combine three authorities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland into two, but considers the matter unsettled.

"Whilst this is in some ways good news because it gives residents a chance to be listened to on what is best for their communities, it is frustrating because we still don't know what's going to happen," Mrs Kearns said.

"I know how much emotional stress this has caused for our communities. People are in disbelief that the one institution of government they come into contact with on a regular basis could be completely transformed without them having a real say. It's infuriating."

The Government had intended for local government in Rutland to merge with that in Leicestershire, leaving a broadened Leicester City to form a second jurisdiction in the middle – proposals Mrs Kearns said would have marginalised the wishes of Rutland residents.

The scheme was met with fresh legal challenges in September, prompting a pause – around which time Mrs Kearns and several other MPs from across the region delivered petitions to No 10 calling for the proposals to be reconsidered.

The two-unitary model for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland was scrapped on October 29.

"This was not a change of heart from the Government – it was a recognition that their plans were not legally sound. We are not out of the clear," Mrs Kearns continued.

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"We delivered our petitions because we wanted to get in there early, to get our voices heard, and to make the government understand that we still want to inform their views."

While lobbying Number 10 with her petition, Mrs Kearns said she had also sought to obtain assurances from Jim McMahon, parliamentary undersecretary for local government, devolution and economic growth, that Rutland's ceremonial status would be considered by the Government in its future plans.

After prime minister Andy Burnham committed to "look into" the matter in August, Mrs Kearns said Mr McMahon had "kept his word" by noting ceremonial county status considerations during a despatch box address, although she had wanted him to "go further" with references to Rutland.

Mrs Kearns affirmed she would continue to engage in discussions with relevant ministers over what the future holds for LGR in Rutland.

"There is still a lot to be done," she added. "We are in limbo, this isn't a reprieve and we shouldn't be celebrating because of the wanton waste of people's time and money over the last 18 months."