Residents in the New Forest "don't want a forced marriage with Southampton” as Hampshire County Council are set to discuss the merging of local authorities in the area tonight, according to one councillor.

On Thursday HCC are set to back a "huge shake up in local government" which could see the abolition of HCC and the Hampshire district and borough councils in place of a new combined authority, and elected mayor.

Councillors will be asked to agree a number of recommendations including the creation of a combined authority which incorporates Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, as well as requesting to be included in a priority programme.

It would also see May's county council elections postponed.

These plans will also include the New Forest District Council and Eastleigh Borough Council subsumed by the new combined authority.

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The government’s plan is that all parts of England are to have regional strategic authorities that have an elected mayor, rather than the current system of two-tier county and district councils.

New Forest District Councillor David Harrison said he thought delaying the local elections was undemocratic and that New Forest residents don’t want to be lumped in with Southampton.

He added: “We won't be discussing how the new authorities will be formed at this meeting, but I am very grateful for all the e-mails received and Facebook comments that show the very strong sense that we don't want a forced marriage with Southampton.

“I don't favour delaying the elections in May but I think the majority of Conservative Councillors will vote in favour of this because of the likely outcome.

“It feels anti-democratic and a good excuse to cling on to power without a mandate."

But not all councillors are against the plans.

Labour council leader at Southampton City Council, Lorna Fielker, said she was in favour of more devolution.

According to the city council, devolution offers a "unique opportunity" for key decisions affecting Southampton to be taken closer to home.

Cllr Fielker said: "This White Paper represents the most significant and important change to local government there has ever been. 

"Moving decision-making and funding away from central government into the hands of local people is something I have been pushing for since I took office.

“I am incredibly excited about what the future now holds."