WIRRAL is facing a coalition cliffhanger as talks on political partnerships following last week's elections have been put on hold until later this week.

The absence of newly-elected Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Tom Harney - unavailable at present due to business commitments - has meant that cross-party consultations have had to be suspended.

The Lib Dems - whose strength was reduced from 14 councillors to ten – still hold the balance of power on Wirral Council. Labour, who made five gains, have emerged as the strongest group with 29 council members; the Tories have 27.

The group lost their leader Cllr Simon Holbrook to Labour in Prenton.

Labour group leader Cllr Steve Foulkes has called for a vote of no confidence in council leader Cllr Jeff Green, claiming that the electorate of Wirral had made a statement that they were unhappy with the current leadership.

For the past year Cllr Green has led a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition after the Lib Dems split from partnership with Labour.

Councillor Foulkes revealed that in the event of the Lib Dems not opting not to join either the Tories or Labour then his party would be prepared to form a minority administration.

He said: “We would be more than comfortable with such a situation.

"I have been leader of a minority administration in the past and if the Liberal Democrats can’t make up their minds we would be prepared to do it again.”

He said Labour Party leader Ed Milliband had extended an invitation for Liberal Democrats to join Labour.

“This is their best chance of continuing in politics and we would welcome members who cross the floor,” he said.

“After such a hammering at the polls their credibility is at zero.

"They need not make the same mistake again.”

Councillor Green said it was Labour’s prerogative to put forward the no confidence vote: “My role is to serve the council and the people of Wirral and it is for the full council to make a decision in the best interest of the people and the council.”

He added: “I certainly don’t believe that following the election results that Labour can claim a mandate to run the council.

"It’s hard to tell what Labour want because they just campaigned on national issues.

“They have’s been able to put forward any coherent plan they want to put in place in terms of taking Wirral forward.”

He said he was looking forward to talking to the new Liberal Democrat leader later this week.

Councillor Dave Mitchell, the new Lib Dem deputy leader, said some members were “shell-shocked” by the election results.

Talks with other parties would be held after Cllr Harney returned.

Councillor Mitchell said: “We will be walking into discussion with the other two parties with completely open minds.”

In last Thursday's elections, there were no seats gained by Ukip, the Greens or the single independent candidate, Charles Barnes, who was seeking election in West Kirby and Thurstaston.

The Lib Dems lost swathes of seats in former council strongholds in the north of England to Labour, including a dozen in Liverpool, while haemorrhaging support to the Scottish National Party north of the border.

Total Wirral electorate: 238,921. Turnout for all wards: 43.18%. Total ballot papers: 103,162.