THE leaders and chief executives of six Dorset councils have met a cabinet minister over their plans for a major shake-up of the way the county is run.

Most of Dorset’s councils are calling for their own abolition, to be replaced by two powerful ‘unitary’ councils.

But Christchurch, Purbeck and East Dorset are holding out against the plans, which were discussed earlier this week with communities and local government secretary Sajid Javid.

Mr Javid thanked the six ‘Future Dorset’ councils for their patience during the delay in announcing a government decision. He told the authorities that Dorset was his top priority among local government issues and that he expected to make an announcement within weeks.

Council leaders insisted there was strong support for the proposals.