HISTORIC cities across England could lose their prized status because of Angela Rayner’s barmy local government reforms.

Winchester and even Canterbury have held city status by ancient prescriptive right for at least 837 predating English common law.

Historic cities across England could lose their prized status because of Angela Rayner’s barmy local government reforms Credit: PA

The Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Saint Swithun, commonly known as Winchester Cathedral Credit: Getty

But plans stirred up by the Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government two-tier county and district councils are being abolished.

It means cities face being merged into unitary authorities, which require a new charter trustee to continue to use the city’s title and coat and arms.

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Cities that fail to do this will lose their status.

Ancient Roman settlement Winchester – which served as the capital of England during Anglo-Saxon rule – risks being consumed by the creation of Mid Hampshire council.

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Meanwhile, Canterbury – whose city council and mayor date from 1448 during Henry VI’s reign – risks being earmarked to become part of the East Kent authority.

Stoke-on-Trent, Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea could also be affected.

Gareth Bacon, the shadow local government minister, said: “This is Labour’s constitutional wrecking ball.”