The party has announced it intends to take legal action against ministers' proposals to create new unitary authorities covering the west and east of the county, with another for Norwich.

Reform became the largest party on Norfolk County Council at last week's elections, taking 40 seats.

Although this was three short of a majority, the party is expected to attempt to control the authority as a minority administration.

County Hall (Image: Newsquest)

Reform managed to take overall control of the county councils in Essex and Suffolk last week and both authorities are also understood to be challenging similar proposals, being imposed by Westminster, for local government reform in their areas.

Essex announced it would be challenging the plans on Thursday and Suffolk is also expected to follow suit on Friday.

David Bick, who was announced as leader of Norfolk Reform this week, said the party "could not stand idly by and watch the government dismember our county".

"We've got to be seen to be doing something about it. We want to be doing something about it, and we are," he said.

Mr Bick confirmed the legal challenge would come at a........

© Eastern Daily Press