RENEGADE Liberal Democrats in Wirral who voted against their party have been given a “slap on the wrist” and let off.

A group meeting at the weekend opposed the higher sanction of suspensions and instead issued four of the six with written warnings.

In the case of two others, no further action was taken – and members now say they want to maintain party unity in the face of determined opposition from Conservative rivals.

A complaint against the party leadership was dismissed by the group.

But the new-found party unity could be threatened as early as next week when the Conservatives will present a motion to the council condemning the library closures and the controversial Strategic Asset Review (SAR).

One of the rebel Lib-Dems, Cllr Phil Gilchrist, said he had opposed the SAR since last November and that his party allowed members “to exercise their conscience”.

He said he made his position clear at the disciplinary meeting and added: “Members recognised my principled stand, even if they did not like the way it was carried out.”

And Cllr Dave Mitchell, who also voted against the party leadership on the SAR, said he now hoped the party could unify.

Cllr Steve Niblock said “the SAR has caused fundamental problems” and “differences remain”.