A councillor’s attempt to hold a vote of no confidence against the leader of a district council was refused during a meeting this week.

Conservative councillor for Denham, Barry Harding, attempted to call for the last-minute motion in a bid to oust current leader of South Bucks District Council (SBDC), Cllr Nick Naylor.

The move came after Cllr Naylor failed to rule out the possibility of spending taxpayers’ money on lodging a legal challenge against the government’s approval of a ‘super council’ for Bucks.

Speaking during Wednesday’s full council meeting, Cllr Harding said: “I wish to have a recorded vote or ballot in a no confidence vote in the leader, given his position tonight on local government reorganisation, and of course the answers to the questions that have been shared with us.

“I have taken on board that normally normal practice would have been for a written motion, but in these circumstances how would any members know to write a motion given that they wouldn’t have had the answers and the leader’s position.”

However council officers told Cllr Harding his last-minute request could not be accepted, as seven days’ notice has to be given for a new motion.

The district councils have long-opposed plans for a unitary authority in Bucks – instead campaigning for two councils, and the leaders previously said they would consider legal action if the proposals were given the green light.

During Wednesday’s meeting Cllr Naylor said it is “premature” to say what the “next appropriate steps” will be, however carrying out a judicial review “will be a matter for the council to decide” – adding members will be updated in due course.