District councils around south Bucks have been urged to “grow up” by a county councillor after they said they would take legal action against the government over the creation of a unitary authority in Bucks.

Bucks county councillor Jean Teesdale branded the move by Wycombe, Chiltern and South Bucks district councils as “regrettable”, saying they should “work together” instead for the benefit of local people.

It comes after furious district councillors opposed secretary of state James Brokenshire’s decision to appoint the leader of Bucks County Council, Martin Tett, as the leader of the temporary shadow executive for the new Buckinghamshire Council – with some branding the decision “undemocratic”.

Speaking at the South West Chilterns and Marlow Local Area Forum this week, Cllr Teesdale said: “I think it’s very regrettable that they’ve taken this step. It’s taxpayers’ money at the end of the day that they’re using. It concerns me greatly.

“I think they should grow up and work together and get on with the job in hand. I think this judicial review should be dropped because I can’t see who’s going to benefit other than legal people.

“I really think it’s such an important issue we need to get on with it and we need to work together. And it’s not been a pleasant time on the council because of all the upset that this is causing. It’s a bit like Brexit – our mini version of it.

“I just hope they get themselves sorted out. If they’re really putting the people first, they need to work together.”

But another member of the LAF, which Cllr Teesdale chairs, said there was “a lot of opinion” that Martin Tett should not lead the shadow executive, and that it should be someone independent.

He said: “Martin Tett has spent a huge amount of time and effort throughout his two or three years stomping around the county saying he might not even be around. Clearly in the background he’s been planning for this.

“I’m disappointed to hear you say that they should grow up because it is going to affect all of us.”

The legal proceedings could cost up to £100,000, which would come out of general reserves.