The Lib Dems backed the move, but Labour and Reform questioned the cost.

The new local government reorganisation map for Hampshire showing the councils under LGR | Contributed

placeholder image — The new local government reorganisation map for Hampshire showing the councils under LGR | Contributed

The government’s council shake-up plans will be challenged in court by Portsmouth City Council.

The council is to launch a judicial review into the government’s decision to group Portsmouth with surrounding boroughs as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

LGR is a scheme introduced by Keir Starmer’s Labour government, aimed at replacing county and district councils with larger unitary authorities serving around 500,000 people.

The Liberal Democrat-run authority has agreed to seek a judicial review after ministers grouped Portsmouth with Havant, Fareham and Gosport councils to form a new “South East Hampshire” authority with a population of around 590,000.

The city council argues it should be exempt because it is already a unitary authority with relatively stable finances. It also claims there is inconsistency in the government’s approach, as four other proposed authorities would serve fewer than 290,000 residents.

However, Reform UK and Labour representatives questioned the move, arguing it would be a waste of money.

Labour councillor Graham Heaney said a judicial review would not “substitute” the government’s decision, but would ensure decision-making was carried out lawfully and fairly.

After a closed session to receive an update on the pre-action protocol letter, Reform UK councillor Emily Strudwick said her argument against the legal challenge “hasn’t changed much”.

She said her group’s stance is “against LGR” but also against “wasting money” and “reckless spending” if the council loses the case, which could cost between £125,000 and £150,000.

It has been argued that the new South East Hampshire authority could begin operations with a £67m deficit, as it would inherit a share of Hampshire County Council’s substantial budget shortfall.

Cllr Nick Dorrington defended the move, stating that elected members are “put in a position of trust” to make the best decisions for the city.

He said the government has “refused to answer simple questions” and “coerced” the city into a compromising position throughout the process.

Cllr Dorrington added that “we have had it” financially if LGR goes through and that, if there is the “slightest opportunity to fight this”, they are dutybound to do so.

The cabinet unanimously agreed to commence legal proceedings.