A councillor has expressed her disapproval of a Westminster decision on local government reorganisation.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, leader of the Conservative Group on Rutland County Council, described the government's plan to amalgamate Rutland into an authority that spans the length and breadth of Leicestershire as "profoundly disappointing".

She said: "This decision is not one that Rutland sought, nor is it one that reflects the views expressed by so many residents, parish councils, businesses and community organisations throughout the consultation.

"People took the time to make their voices heard because they believed they could influence the future of their county. Many will feel they have not been listened to."

Under plans announced on Thursday (July 16), Rutland is set to fall into one of two revised unitary authorities in the area.

Leicester's governing body is due to absorb Oadby, Wigston and parts of Blaby, Charnwood, and Harborough into its ambit, leaving the rest of Leicestershire to form a second "donut" authority around the city, including Rutland.

A unitary authority is a local government body that controls all public services within a specific area.

"For the first time in our modern history, Rutland will no longer have a council of its own," Cllr Stephenson continued.

"That is a significant constitutional and historic moment. It represents the end of an institution that has served our communities well and has been an important expression of Rutland's identity and local democracy."

According to the government, by virtue of the planned local government landscape overhaul, "more people across England are set to benefit from streamlined services, clearer accountability, and an end to wasteful duplication thanks to the latest round of local government reorganisation".

The announcement statement continued: "Local Government Reorganisation will create stronger foundations for economic growth by enabling councils to provide better and more joined-up support for residents.

"It will lead to the creation of stronger unitary councils, paving the way for deeper devolution and stronger local leadership across England, and put a stop to unnecessary duplication."

However, Cllr Stephenson challenged the proposal's merits by suggesting "bigger does not automatically mean better".

She said: "Decisions affecting Rutland should be made as close as possible to the people and communities they affect.

"There is a real risk that the distinct needs of our rural communities will receive less attention within a much larger authority, and that local accountability will inevitably become more remote.

"Rutland is far more than a local authority. It is a historic county, a close-knit community and a place that inspires enormous pride in those who live here. No Government decision can take that away."