26 January 2012 Last updated at 13:26 ET

Northamptonshire County councillors to be cut

The number of politicians serving on Northamptonshire County Council will be cut by 16 in a move that could save up to £350,000 over four years.

The 73 councillors that currently represent around 520,000 county voters will be reduced to 57 members.

The cut will mean a change to the boundaries of the council's electoral divisions.

John McGhee, leader of the council's Labour opposition, said the scheme was "unworkable".

'Reduce inequality'

In order to implement the reduction, the electoral divisions will be reallocated to ensure each councillor represents approximately the same number of people.

Jim Harker, leader of council, said the change would "reduce electoral inequality."

However Councillor McGee said it would be impossible for the council to agree on the new electoral areas.

"We believe we could get the number down to 63 with councillors taking on a lot more responsibility, but any less than that is unworkable," he said.

The commission is now asking local people for their input into the review of the electoral wards.