MERSEYSIDE MP John Pugh became the first Liberal Democrat to throw doubt on the new coalition government – warning he was "very concerned" about being tied to savage Tory cuts.

The left-leaning Southport MP urged his colleagues to pursue "a distinctive path" to ensure the poor did not suffer when spending cuts are speeded up, as promised by Chancellor George Osborne yesterday.

Dr Pugh also declined, twice, to say whether he voted in favour of coalition at the crunch meeting of Lib Dem MPs late on Tuesday night. Seven MPs did not – although most were thought to be absent.

And he said: "I'm very, very concerned that efficient public services will be targeted and I will argue the case to ensure they are not.

"I'm very aware that everything hangs, not on what happened yesterday or today, but on the tough decisions around the corner, when we have to address the deficit and what areas are to be cut.

"I think there is a danger that Liberal Democrats fall into agreeing with decisions made by the 'Sir Humphreys' in the Civil Service – the 'Sir Humphreys' and George Osborne."

Asked whether he anticipated having to rebel against the Conservative-Liberal coalition if it proposed unacceptable cuts, Dr Pugh replied: "I'm not in that territory."

But he added: "It will involve arguing our case forcibly and independently. It is a risk and an opportunity, and I need time to wrap my mind around the new circumstances."

Unlike many northern Lib-Dems, the Southport MP spent the campaign fighting the Conservatives – rather then Labour – increasing his majority to 6,024.

Mr Clegg enjoyed overwhelming backing from his MPs, peers and key activists for his decision to join the Tories in government, despite predictions otherwise.

However, since yesterday, key Labour-leaning grandees – Lord Ashdown, Sir Ming Campbell and Charles Kennedy – have all been noticeably silent.