Ex-Cheltenham MP makes case for east-west split for councils in Gloucestershire shake-up'Any one community will automatically have a louder voice in a smaller local authority'View 4 Images Cheltenham Councillor Martin Horwood believes having two smaller unitaries in Gloucestershire would make the councils more accountable, responsive and efficient. “Government is asking our view on whether one giant super-council covering the entire county is better than two smaller unitary councils. ‌“If we do get two unitary councils, I’m definitely for the straightforward east-west split and not the Gloucester and the doughnut option. “Some people worry that this would 'split' Gloucestershire. Article continues below“I agree and I’d urge everyone to back two smaller councils, not one giant super-council.”

Source: Daily Mirror February 19, 2026 08:36 UTC