Historic English country dating back to the 12th century to be wiped off the map as locals left devastated

Whilst it was previously merged with Leicestershire under controversial reforms in 1974, that decision was reversed 20 years later when in 1994 it was given unitary authority status.

Under proposals to shake up local Government makeup, some smaller district councils could be merged with county councils to create single unitary authorities.

These new councils would look after populations of 500,000, far higher than the number of Rutland’s residents.

Labour says the mergers would make delivering services more efficient and Leicestershire has called for its union with Rutland to be restored.

Alicia Kearns, the Tory MP for Rutland and Stamford, said that Labour has crossed “a red line”.

She told GB News: “We're being forced. We're not given a choice. Nobody's been given a vote. They're not being given a say. Any part of the process that we will be submerged into Leicestershire County Council, which is something we were put into before we fought for our independence before.

“And essentially, we could even not only lose our county council, but lose our entire identity. We may not be Rutland anymore. We may be forced to join Leicestershire. And that's a red line.”

She said that the county wants a voice in the potential merger. “Give us a say,” she said. “Have a proper discussion. But these short deadlines where they're just imposing things on us, Rutland won't just take it.”

The Tory MP has already held two meetings last week with Rutland residents, with locals keen to have their voices heard.

County Councillor Lucy Stephenson said she disagreed with a reunion and said that “bigger is better” is “wrong”.

As a Rutland resident, my sense of pride in place is ingrained within me," she said. “As a county councillor, the premise of bigger is better is wrong - it isn't going to solve the challenges that face local government.

“I think rural areas absolutely need to have special consideration,” she told the BBC.

Chaz Ellis, whose father was a part of the Rutland independence campaign in the 1990s, told the Telegraph: “The idea that we might have to fight for it again is both disheartening and galvanising.”

He added: “Historic counties are not arbitrary lines, they are the result of generations of shared traditions, heritage, and community.”

However, Richard Clifton, a former Rutland County Council member, said he felt there could be positives to being part of a larger unitary authority.

“We could end up with a lot more benefits than disadvantages,” he said. “I understand everyone wants to keep Rutland, but there's other ways we can keep the names.”

Leicestershire County Council was one of the local authorities that has asked the Government to postpone its elections.

It said it needed time to draw up detailed proposals in response to the Government's plans to shake up local government so every region of England has a mayor.

However, Rayner confirmed yesterday that Leicestershire was not one of the nine authorities that would be allowed to delay elections and they will go ahead in May as planned.