CHRISTCHURCH Borough Council could find itself out in the political wilderness next week, as the only authority remaining in the 'Super-Council' no camp.

Heading into a defining few days for local politics, Christchurch can still count Purbeck District Council (PDC) and East Dorset District Council (EDDC) as allies - with all three having refused to back the controversial local government reorganisation proposals.

These cost-cutting plans, to transform the existing nine Dorset councils into two unitary authorities, were initially welcomed by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, who announced he was "minded to approve" the reorganisation last month.

Under the proposals, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch would merge into one authority, with the other councils making up the second.

EDDC's cabinet is set to meet today (Dec 8) - where members will consider what recommendations they will make to full council on Monday. (Dec 11) All signs point to the council making a reluctant U-turn on its position.

A report to members from EDDC chief executive David McIntosh says that since the council opted not to support the proposals, government policy had "evolved."

He added: "It has shifted from a point where any proposal would require unanimous support, to the current situation where something less than that is required."

Mr McIntosh also points out that the Secretary of State looks likely to give the go-ahead for the twin unitary plans.

"If that is the case," said Mr McIntosh, "the question for east Dorset is how they should respond to this in order to have the greatest impact on the new arrangements, and how these can be put in place to benefit our residents."

Meanwhile, PDC members are set to hammer out their official stance on the proposals at a full council meeting on Tuesday. (Dec 12)

A report from council officials recommends the district withdraws its opposition.

It states: "A withdrawal of opposition would enable the council to play a fuller part in the preparations for the creation of the new unitary council, providing the council with greater influence to benefit local communities and people, the local environment and other stakeholders, including staff."

Christchurch is currently conducting a non-binding referendum on the proposals

Residents have until 5pm on Thursday (Dec 14) to cast their votes.

The Secretary of State will make his final decision after the January 8 deadline for representations.