The DUP leader Gavin Robinson also confirms that Emma Little-Pengelly will not participate in joint engagements with O'Neill.

The Lib Dems claim Farage "attempted to shove" their South Devon MP but a Reform source accuses the party of "lying".

Proposals to merge smaller councils to form larger unitary authorities were put on hold last month.

Campaigners had warned some families could face an unfair financial penalty because of delays which were not their fault.