The objections - which attack Detroit's legal authority to file for bankruptcy - will be heard on 23 October, according to USA Today.  The city has$18 billion of debts. Kevyn Orr and his team have asked all creditors to take a significant hit on what they are owed. If the objections are not sustained, Detroit is on course to become the largest city bankruptcy ever.

Michael Sweet, a bankruptcy lawyer at Fox Rothschild told The Financial Times: 'With $18bn in the hole, I think it’s unlikely that anyone will make an insolvency argument.'

Kevyn Orr resigned from Jones Day when he took on the Detroit post but has been advised by ex-colleagues at the firm.