MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns has spoken out in response to results of a survey from Rutland County Council claiming Rutland residents would prefer to merge with South Lincolnshire over Leicestershire as part of local government shake up. 

In the independent survey commissioned by the authority, results showed that the Rutland residents that participated would rather merge with South Lincolnshire, instead of the current proposal for joining Leicestershire. 

The report said: 'The council's Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) survey captured mixed feedback in relation to the three interim plans that include Rutland. 

'While all views were represented – with a degree of support and opposition for each of the proposals – results indicate a preference for merging with South Lincolnshire.' 

The survey has, however, come under criticism for not asking the specific question about which option was their favourite, which was heavily criticised at local meetings across the county to discuss the changes. 

Alicia Kearns MP has criticised the survey, saying: 'It's no surprise Rutland County Council's survey found a preference from Rutlanders for a South Kesteven merger – even if the question was never asked of them.

'This was made clear at three public meetings I held in Oakham as early as January this year. Despite this, the Council has relentlessly spent the last 10 months pursuing a merger with north Leicestershire and not putting meaningful work into developing an alternative, Stamford option. 

'It is strange the Council has said an appraisal will be commissioned 'if we have full access to all final proposals which include Rutland in sufficient time.' South Kesteven District Council has demonstrated a clear willingness and asked to work jointly on a proposal for months and months without a meaningful response from RCC.'