Mr Toole confirmed the merger was in tatters after Nationals leader John Barilaro issued a strongly worded press release on Friday withdrawing his party’s support for the policy.

Mr Toole, who is unlikely to remain as local government minister following a cabinet reshuffle after a new Liberal Party leader is elected next week, said he expected Bathurst and Oberon voters to go to the polls in September to elect new councils.

Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz welcomed Mr Barilaro’s press release but was awaiting official confirmation from the state government that her council’s hard-fought campaign to stand along had been a success.

“I am heartened by the release of such a strong statement from Deputy Premier John Barilaro today, it shows that he has listened to the community and taken on board their concerns over the loss of their basic democratic rights by forcing mergers upon them,” Cr Sajowitz said.

“What follow up action is taken by Mr Barilaro and the outcome of his resolve in this issue will be a test of his mettle as the leader of the National Party and his ability to represent the interests of the rural electorate in a predominantly Liberal influenced coalition government.

“I await the announcement of the new Premier and the cabinet next week with great interest.”