Deadlock as pact comes to an end

9:49am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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AN ALLIANCE between Labour and the Liberal Democrats to run Wirral Council together has been scrapped - leaving the borough in a political deadlock.

The Lib Dems say the "massive" vote of no confidence delivered to Labour in the local elections a fortnight ago makes continuing with the partnership "untenable".

"Although the balance of power has clearly shifted in Wirral, we still have a balanced council."

Simon Holbrook

The council remains "hung" - with no party having an overall majority - although the Conservatives are now the largest party by four seats, with 24 in total.

Tory leader Jeff Green has written to the council's chief executive asking him to arrange a meeting between the leaders of the three main parties in order that the pecking order of the new administration can be finalised.

But both Labour and the Lib Dems feel civil servants should not be involved as the matter is a purely political one.

For his part, Cllr Green has described the Lib Dem decision to part from Labour as like "leaving a sinking ship".

Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Simon Holbrook 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.

"Whilst 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 that the council's achievements particularly those on the environment are safeguarded and developed."

In his letter to Labour and the Lib Dems, Cllr Green writes: "We believe that the current Labour/Liberal cabinet should stand aside and let the Conservative Group form an administration."

He said the Wirral elecorate would remember that "it was the Liberal Democrats who kept Labour in control of the council", but admitted that his proposed minority administration would be difficult.

Labour and the Lib Dems formed their alliance a year ago to oust the Tories from one what was effectively a three-party power share.

Labour leader Steve Foulkes has said his party will respect the democratic decision made by voters but insisted he would not conduct a squabble over who's going to be in charge through the press.