The UK government could merge or even axe dozens of quangos advising ministers in areas including immigration, housing and environmental policy.
Sir Keir Starmer, The Times reports, is readying to wield the axe as part of wide-ranging restructuring plans.
The Times reports Pat McFadden, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is drafting legislation that would allow parliament to close down multiple quangos in a single act rather than requiring individual laws for each one.
McFadden has asked all Whitehall departments to justify more than 300 quangos, with those not sufficiently justified facing the prospect of being shut down, merged with others, or having reduced powers.
The Times understands McFadden wants to see dozens of quangos ditched as standalone bodies in a bid to reduce waste and inefficiency.
Over 40 bodies are being looked at as part of the review, including the Migration Advisory Committee, which could see its remit widened to incorporate several other policy areas to make savings elsewhere.