A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “We want to work with local councils to deliver our ambition to simplify local government and end inefficient two-tier structures, including in Essex.”
Kevin Bentley, Conservative leader of Essex County Council, backs a three-council model for the county.
He challenged Callaghan’s claim LGR was over in the county, telling the BBC: “I think it is over if we let it be.
“The current system does not give the best value for taxpayers. If the government is still up for it, then I am.”
Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson, leader of Chelmsford City Council, supports a five-council model for Essex.
“The process has been started and I don’t think a change of council leadership would make the government want to stop LGR,” he said.
“They are in charge of that process, not councils.”