Although major reforms to local government across England have been placed on hold Surrey is expected to be unaffected.

The Government has paused restructuring plans for more than a dozen authorities following fresh legal advice.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner told MPs: “In light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law.

“Secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and a new prime minister and any additional considerations.”

Surrey is not affected as elections to its “shadow authorities” have taken place. The shadow authorities will formally become the councils for East and West Surrey from April 2027.

Commenting, Cllr Jane Austin, leader of West Surrey Conservative Group, said: “Surrey moved first and moved fast on LGR, in good faith and on the clear understanding the Government-led process was legally sound. What we are now witnessing elsewhere is a shambolic U-turn from Labour.

“Our new councils are established in law, elections have taken place and we are well advanced towards next April. Surrey will continue as planned, but a nationwide review prompted by new legal advice inevitably raises serious questions.

“The Government should publish the legal advice underpinning its decision, so councils and residents can understand exactly what has changed.

“Surrey must not be disadvantaged financially or operationally simply because we went first. If the Government’s review identifies problems or lessons elsewhere, Surrey must benefit from those lessons – and any additional support needed to make East and West Surrey a success.

“We also need urgent clarity on what this means for devolution and a future Surrey Mayor. Surrey has delivered what Government asked of us. Labour must now deliver the certainty, support and devolution Surrey was promised.”