Somerset voters want two new unitaries rather than one. That's the resounding message from Mendip, and indeed from voters across all four district council areas.

Council leaders were quick to thank residents for their overwhelming support in the recent local poll, and for their clear choice for 'Stronger Somerset' – the plan for two councils, an Eastern Somerset and a Western Somerset council, to replace Somerset's existing five county and district councils.

More than 111,000 people took part in ballot, producing a turnout of 25.6 per cent. Some 65.3% voted for Stronger Somerset, and 34.7% for the alternative 'One Somerset' put forward by Somerset County Council which proposes a new single unitary council for whole of Somerset.

Civica Electoral Services, independently ran and verified the ballot which closed on Friday 4 June. In a joint letter, all district council leaders in Somerset have written to the Secretary of State, The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, to ask that he now takes the result into account.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "A huge number of people across Somerset stepped up to have their say and we are thankful and humbled by their support. They cannot be ignored. The result is clear – people want to keep their council local.

"The Stronger Somerset proposal has been shaped following consultation with residents, NHS representatives, charities, community volunteers, town and parish councils, carers, and many more. It will deliver better value for money, bring service improvements and greater prosperity.

"It's the people's choice and this result must now be taken account of, in the Government's decision-making process."

Deputy Leader of Mendip District Council and Portfolio Holder for Enterprise and Finance, Cllr Barry O'Leary, said: "This ballot would not have happened at all if the four district councils of Mendip, Sedgemoor, South West Taunton and South Somerset hadn't stood firm together and pushed for it. We enabled this democratic act to take place. We had our detractors and faced much opposition for organising and financing the poll. But we were not put off. Our principles stood firm – to give the people of Mendip, and Somerset, a voice."

Cllr Josh Burr is Deputy Leader of Mendip District Council and Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services. He added: "We cannot understand why anyone would want to stifle debate. Significant change lies ahead that will affect residents' services and their quality of life for decades to come. They needed a proper say in their future in a simple and democratic way. The local poll allowed this to happen. It asked a straight question, and we got a straight answer. The people of Mendip, and all Somerset, delivered."

The two proposals for the future of local government are being assessed by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The Secretary of State will make a decision before the parliamentary summer recess begins in late July with a view that the new councils will be in place in 2023.