Liverpool mayoral candidate: Steve Rotheram

Labour's Steve Rotheram

People living in the Liverpool City Region (the five Merseyside metropolitan boroughs of Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral, plus Halton in Cheshire) will elect their next mayor on 2 May. Here's what you need to know about all of the candidates and their top priorities.

Labour's Steve Rotheram is seeking a third term as mayor of the Liverpool City Region

The 62-year-old former Liverpool Walton MP has been mayor of the Liverpool City Region since 2017 when the role was created.

His first job was as a bricklayer and he set up his own construction company before going to university and then working at the Learning and Skills council.

He entered politics as a Labour councillor in Liverpool, and was elected to parliament as the MP for Liverpool Walton in 2010.

He is a Liverpool Football club supporter and has campaigned on issues relating to the Hillsborough disaster. He was at the FA cup semi-final in 1989 where 97 football fans died, and much of his politics is informed by that experience and the aftermath.

Mr Rotheram says he wants to 'make our area the best place to grow up, grow old and grow a business in'

He says while he is "really proud" of his first two terms as mayor, he wants to "continue that progress" and embrace a future that he hopes "will transform the region's fortunes and tackle our underlying economic weaknesses".

He wants to improve the region's transport system

Mr Rotheram says he wants an integrated transport network by 2028, and a fully franchised bus network before the end of 2027.

Mr Rotheram wants to make Liverpool City Region more attractive to overseas investors

He pledges to attract 25% more foreign direct investment into the city region by 2030. Mr Rotheram also wants to position Liverpool City Region as a leader in the AI for Good movement by establishing an AI taskforce and appointing a Chief Digital Officer.

He says he wants to introduce better technical training

Mr Rotheram highlights the importance of providing high-quality post-16 education and says the LCR Pathway will offer bespoke technical training.

Mr Rotheram wants to make Mersey Tidal Power happen

He says he will complete the full business case for Mersey Tidal Power (a tidal barrage across the River Mersey to generate energy) and ensure it is investible and "shovel ready" by 2028.

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