He added: “This council must face up to its responsibilities. I have, Simon Holbrook has, but the Conservatives are under their quilt sucking their thumb and will leave people deeper and deeper in debt.”

He insisted the Tories’ budget was “smoke and mirrors” and electioneering.

During a sometimes bitter debate at Wallasey town hall, Lib-Dem leader Cllr Holbrook also said the Conservatives’ alternative budget plans for a 2.5% council rise, which would also abandon the SAR, would leave the council facing financial ruin.

But Conservative leader Jeff Green warned the Labour budget would result in the “obliteration of libraries and community centres”.

Cllr Green accused Labour and the Lib Dems of cynicism and using a year without local elections to press ahead with the SAR, which will see 11 libraries close and other culture facilities transferred into community ownership.

He renewed the Conservatives’ pledge to re- open any facilties closed by the current administration should they take control of the council.

In a surprise move after their own amendment was defeated by united Labour and Lib Dem councillors, the Conservatives backed five rebel Lib Dems over Cllr Phil Gilchrist’s amendment, which recommended retaining the 11 libraries facing closure.

Cllr Gilchrist had faced criticism from some of his own party members for putting forward the amendment to the ruling cabinet’s budget.

Lib Dem Cllr Pat Williams told the meeting it was the second council in succession she had found herself at odds with her party leadership, adding: “In over 21 years as a councillor, I have never been in such a situation.”

“I am profoundly sad that the SAR is going ahead despite overwhelming objections.”

The budget will see council tax in Wirral rise to £959 for a band A property in 2009/10, with £1,119 for band B, £1,279 for band C, £1,439 for band D, £1,759 for band E, £2,079 for band F, £2,399 for band G, £2,399 for band H and £2,879 for band G.