Leader George Finch insisted it would be premature to declare whether Warwickshire County Council would take legal action against the placement of migrants – but he isn't ruling it out.

Cllr Finch this week published on social media a letter addressed to the government asking for data on how many migrants with unresolved asylum applications are in Warwickshire, the projected volume of migrants set to be placed in the county over each of the next three years, the government's assessment of public service capacity and risks and, perhaps most notably, powers for local authorities to "reject or veto" placements.

He went on to tell Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that "Warwickshire County Council does not regard itself a willing partner" in the government's handling of the asylum system and indicated the authority would be willing to launch a formal challenge.

"We do not accept that Warwickshire communities should simply be expected to absorb the consequences of failed national policy," wrote Cllr Finch.

"If the government continues with its current approach, the council will take steps to actively challenge the Home Office and oppose further accommodation for illegal migrants and asylum seekers within Warwickshire using every lawful power, avenue and influence available to the council.

"This request is not about creating division. It is about ensuring the safety of our residents and restoring public confidence."

Councils have successfully challenged the placements of migrants in specific hotels on their patches in recent times but Coventry City Council is among those to fail to win court cases arguing that they have been burdened by "excessive" numbers in their areas.

Cllr Finch told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was too soon to say whether formal action would be appropriate as he is still awaiting a response from the government.

"I am asking them to hand over the data willingly," he said.

"I want to work with them to make sure Warwickshire residents get the best foot forward and that means putting them first, not people who come here on small boats.

"I really want to support Warwickshire people. If that means a frank conversation then we will have that but I will wait for their response before making any further points."

Asked whether he had scoped out the council's ability to take legal action, Cllr Finch replied: "We can. That is within our lawful powers but we are waiting for a response from them."

He added that he would be happy to offer more detail once he has received a response.

The leader insisted publishing the letter before giving the government chance to respond was the right call.

"I am being transparent," he said.

"The public wants to know what I get up to and I am fighting for the residents of Warwickshire to make sure they get the best cut of the crop, not people who come here from other countries that just take, take, take."

He was equally unapologetic to those who disagree with his stance on migration, saying: "It is democracy. People in Warwickshire voted for a Reform administration and that's what they got.

"If they don't like it, I would encourage them to do better at the ballot box."