This statement appears to contradict the candidate form, but the national office said it could not get further involved unless it received a complaint from a member of the public or a Lib-Dem party member.

Last night Cllr Bradley declined to comment and said it was an internal party matter.

Senior Lib-Dems told the Daily Post Cllr Bradley’s support for Cllr Hurst had “split the party from top to bottom” and it could cost the party control of the council at next year’s local elections.

One member said: “I was going to say in a way I feel sorry for Steve but actually, I don’t. He is no friend of mine. But he was Warren’s best mate and that’s the ticket to power and influence.”

Another said: “He has got a criminal record. It shows a total lack of judgement on the leader’s part.”

The Daily Post understands that prior to an earlier Labour no confidence vote, efforts were made to locate Cllr Stuart Monkcom – on holiday in Guernsey at the time –with a view to even flying him back for the vote.

When asked about his position on the matter, Cllr Monkcom said that it would have been “incongruous” for him to take part in such a vote as he was a member of the city council’s standards committee.

Lib-Dem Cllr Roger Johnston was picked up and returned by taxi to the Royal Hospital to be able to take part in the recent vote.

Cllr Johnson dismissed sugges-tions he had been forced to attend, but said he felt “the rules were quite clear” about whether Cllr Hurst is allowed to stand again.

Last night Cllr Joe Anderson, Labour leader, said: “If a convicted criminal is allowed to get away with it, it will be a slap in the face to the legal system.

“I know there are decent Lib-Dem councillors and I hope they will back our motion.”

In May the Daily Post revea-led how campaigning grand-mother Elizabeth Pascoe is planning to stand in 2010’s elections against Cllr Hurst.

Ms Pascoe, who has battled against Edge Lane regeneration, said she wanted to take a stand against the Lib-Dems’ decision to allow him to remain part of the group and appoint him to a £5,675 position on Merseytravel’s board.

At the time Cllr Bradley said: “I am sure Steve will be re-elected for Wavertree next year.”