A CONSERVATIVE government would reverse plans to axe Devon's county and district councils – even if Labour forces the changes through.

Tory shadow local government minister Bob Neill told the Western Morning News the party's manifesto for the looming General Election would include an explicit pledge to preserve the status quo.

After a lengthy court battle, the Boundary Committee last week recommended replacing the two-tier system with a single council for rural Devon, which they said would be able to deliver more affordable services under clear leadership and "empower" communities.

But leading politicians from across the political spectrum have condemned the plans and warned Labour ministers could use the last few months to pass legislation tying the hands of whoever wins the next election.

Previously, the Tories have said they would not be able to "unpick" any legal changes which have been made, despite the party's opposition both locally and nationally to the idea of further moves towards unitary councils in the Westcountry.

They also opposed Cornwall's switch to a single super-council earlier this year, but accept it is here to stay.

However, after visiting Devon, Mr Neill said the party would now commit to reversing the proposals which have angered many voters, who fear the loss of a council with local accountability.

Mr Neill said: "We think there is no justification for proceeding with the local government reorganisation.

"There is clearly no consensus in favour of it and the people of Devon have never been asked.

"It is so late in the Parliament to embark on it, with only months before a general election.

"It would be wrong for a government even to consider going ahead with this now. It would be impossible to implement in a practical sense.

"We will make it clear in the manifesto to reverse any decision to reform local government in Devon."

He said a plan to have a single Devon council – alongside the existing unitary authorities in Plymouth and Torbay – could be "damaging for services".

The single proposal once had backing from the Lib-Dem administration at Devon County Council – but when the Conservatives took over in June, that support disappeared. In Cornwall, the original set-up costs for the new council have more than trebled to at least £60 million, and services are suffering amid the turmoil. A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "We recognise the need to move forward as quickly as practicable."

To make a representation about the plans to Communities Secretary John Denham by January 19, e-mail DevonStructures@ communities.gsi.gov.uk, or write to Unitary Structures Team, Zone 3/J1, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E5.