Plans for a major shake-up of local government in Suffolk are on hold after the government launched a review in light of new legal advice.

Proposals to merge smaller councils to form larger authorities in the county, as well as in Essex, Hampshire and Norfolk have been shelved.

Meanwhile, plans for 14 other areas will also be reviewed and paused.

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner will announce the review in Parliament later.

She is expected to tell MPs that "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," she will add.

The plans originated under Sir Keir Starmer's government, when Rayner was also local government secretary, before she was replaced by Steve Reed.

In response to the government's announcement that it is withdrawing its decision to implement Local Government Reorganisation in Suffolk, Cllr Michael Hadwen, leader of Suffolk County Council, said:

"This is a resounding victory for Suffolk.

"On day one of becoming leader, I said we need to protect our county – and that is exactly what we have done. We have been relentless on this – and ministers have seen sense and withdrawn their plans.

"Our residents can breathe a sigh of relief as they will be protected from the unnecessary upheaval of this LGR decision.

"We can now focus on delivering better value for money, stronger public services and a council that puts the interests of Suffolk first."