Leicester's major city boundary expansion plan is set to be paused by the Government.

The decision, known as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), has been highly contentious ever since it was announced in July, but it is now understood that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is looking to pause LGR within the city and county following new legal advice.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that LGR for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is among 14 areas that will now be paused while the Government launches a review into the scheme.

Neighbours in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are also set to see their LGR schemes reviewed.

It is expected that the Government will also confirm that local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries.

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner is expected to tell MPs in the House of Commons: "As we are now more determined than ever to devolve power closer to the people we represent, it's only right that as a new Secretary of State I make sure that everything we do is working towards that plan to change Britain, without delay.

"The Prime Minister told the House last week he was 'prepared to look at local government reorganisation' and he asked me as his Communities Secretary to 'do that'. In that context, 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.

"And, 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.

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"I do not take this lightly. I recognise the huge amount of work that has already gone into progressing reorganisation in each of these areas, and I am very grateful for it."

The expected move to pause LGR follows July's decision to expand Leicester's boundary to include many county towns and villages, and to create two new authorities – one for Leicester and one for Leicestershire and Rutland.

It has proved an unpopular decision, leading to protests around the county as well as potential legal action by Leicestershire County Council, which announced last week it would be issuing a pre-action letter.

Data released by the MHCLG showed 87 per cent of the 6,615 respondents to a consultation on LGR said they disagreed with the plans to expand the city's boundary.

An MHCLG spokesperson originally said that LGR would "put one council in charge of decisions in their area" as well as "speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure, improve public services and boost regional growth to put more money in people's pockets".

The LDRS contacted an East Midlands Labour Party spokesperson for comment.