Lib-Dems split from Labour in Wiral as Tories say: Stand aside

May 9 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

LIBERAL Democrats in Wirral last night said they would end their power-sharing arrangement with the borough’s Labour Party – clearing the way for a Conservative administration.

The two political groups had come together a year ago to kick the Conservatives off the ruling cabinet from what had previously been a three-way power sharing agreement.

But, in last week’s elections, the Tories became the single largest party, snatching four seats with Labour losing four.

Following that, Lib-Dem leader Simon Holbrook said a Labour-led administration was “untenable”.

And Tory leader Jeff Green last night set out the party’s aim to lead a new council administration.

Wirral Conservative party has 24 seats on the council, still short of the 34 needed to hold a majority on the authority.

However, both Labour and Lib-Dem leaders have insisted it was incumbent on the Conservatives as the largest group to make the first move, and Cllr Green said last night he had now written to both party leaders.

In the letter, he states: “We believe that the current Labour/Liberal Cabinet should stand aside and let the Conservative Group form an administration.”

This follows his letter to the council’s chief executive asking him to facilitate a meeting between the party leaders, who were also copied into that note.

But this had met with a cool response from the other parties who feel it is a political issue and council officers should not be drawn into it.

Last night, Cllr Holbrook moved to break the deadlock.

He said: “We are proud of the achievements that have been brought about through Liberal Democrat participation in the cabinet: a stable budget; below average council tax rise; a big improvement in recycling; and a new corporate plan focusing on wealth creation and jobs.

“While the Liberal Democrats performed well in the elections, making another gain from the Conservatives, the public’s massive vote of no confidence in Labour is such that continuing with a Labour- led administration is untenable.

“Although the balance of power has clearly shifted in Wirral, we still have a balanced council. No party has a majority and a constructive dialogue on policy is needed.

“We first need to hear what the Conservatives propose; simply demanding that other parties ‘stand aside’ is no substitute for hard proposals about their programme for the borough. We have heard a lot recently about what the Conservatives are against, it is time for them to say what they are for.

“These are far more important questions than which party controls cabinet and the council. We will respond constructively to ensure the council’s achievements, particularly those on the environment, are safeguarded and developed.”

Cllr Green last night described the Lib-Dems’ decision to split from the pact with Labour as “leaving a sinking ship”.

He said: “We will continue to remind the people of Wirral it was the Liberal Democrats who kept Labour in control of the council.”

He also admitted a minority administration would be “very difficult” and said its success “depends whether Labour and the Liberal Democrats have listened to the electorate”.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, leader of the Labour group (pictured), said he was disappointed the other parties were discussing the “important matters of Wirral’s administration through the press” and said it showed their “naivety”.

He also pledged to fight against a Tory administration and said his party was best placed – and determined – to prevent Wirral returning to a Tory administration.

OPINION: PAGE 10

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