THE politician who led Wirral Council until his coalition partners tonight gave notice they'd had enough has warned of trouble ahead.

Councillor Jeff Green saw his Tory/Liberal Demorcat administration evaporate when his former political allies decided not to continue with their partnership and handed control back to Labour.

He said: “My worry now is Labour will use the power that has been granted to them by the Liberal Democrats not for the good of Wirral but to join with Labour council leaders in Liverpool to launch a political fight with the Government that will, ultimately, do nothing to advance the interests of the people of this borough.

"Four weeks ago, the Liberal Democrats praised the work of this administration over the last 12 months.

"Now they are saying they have no confidence in that administration and will facilitate the creation of a Labour council."

He said he understood Liberal Democrats are still reeling from "dreadful" national election results: "It is clear to everyone that Labour went into the election without revealing their plans and they have come out of the elections without a majority.

"But they now have full control of the cabinet and the town hall, thanks to the nine Liberal Democrats choosing to hand power to the Labour group in this way."

He concluded: "I pledge to fight to ensure that the good work that has been put in place is not frittered away and that the voice of Wirral residents continues to be heard loud and clear at the town hall."

The change of administration will have to be ratified at a meeting of all 66 elected members on Monday.

To disolve the existing coalition, a majority will need to pass a vote of no confidence, then elect Labour group chief Cllr Steve Foulkes to be council leader.