After the recent resignation of 2 Conservative Councillors (Sinclair & Jones) from the Sefton Conservative Group, following upon the previous resignation in April of 5 Labour Sefton Councillors from the Sefton Labour Group , Lib Dem leader, John Pugh, said.

“The public might get the impression that it’s mayhem on Sefton Council with councillors moving places as in a game of musical chairs.

However, the truth is sadder than that.

Sefton has struggled for years with dealing with differences of opinions BETWEEN political groups, but it’s now struggling to accommodate differences WITHIN political groups.

We are living through an age of intolerance where politics is becoming more polarised and tribal. I regret that.

If any individual is out of step or questioning, they are pushed out or feel obliged to leave their party group.

The truth is though that voters WANT councillors who exercise independent judgement and put their community before their party. Diversity of intelligent opinion is surely better that mindless sloganising.

My group recognised that a while ago by reforming ourselves as the Liberal Democrat and Progressive Alliance Group to accommodate a range of members, but no-one has to joins us to work with us for the benefit of residents. "

However, the truth is sadder than that

My group recognised that a while ago by reforming ourselves as the Liberal Democrat and Progressive Alliance Group to accommodate a range of members, but no-one has to joins us to work with us for the benefit of residents. "

You’d think it was more likely formed as the libs were in decline and they wanted an option to keep the “talents” of the exiled councillor dawson to choose over a Lib Dem candidate to back with disastrous consequences.

It is questionable when the libs try get some kind of moral high ground as their divisive behaviour has held Southport back for years as no one seems to want to work with them.