Liverpool mayoral candidate: Ian Smith

Ian Smith is standing as an Independent candidate

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.

Ian Smith describes himself as a 'socialist entrepreneur' and 'grassroots political activist'

Mr Smith, from Bootle, has previously stood as an independent candidate in the local elections in Sefton. He says he is motivated to stand because of what he sees as a disconnect between politicians and ordinary people.

Mr Smith wants an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

He has joined weekly marches calling for an end to fighting between Hamas and Israel.

He thinks Liverpool City Region should get a better deal from Westminster

Mr Smith says "decisions affecting our future have been made for far too long by people who are not aware of the needs and priorities of our region.

"The capital and the South East have had their interests given priority by a centralised political system centred in London, with Northern cities and regions being disregarded in spite of their historical contributions to the prosperity and international stature of our country."

He wants all young people to be given the support they need to 'realise their full potential'

Mr Smith says he will encourage highly skilled, valuable jobs in the industries of the future while guaranteeing that all young people have access to the training and education they need.

He wants to restore trust in politicians

To do this, Mr Smith would put more power in the hands of communities, for example to end rough sleeping in the city region.

Mr Smith wants to modernise the region's digital and transport infrastructure

He argues that Liverpool City Region’s digital infrastructure needs investment and that transport systems need modernisation in a way that would "put us at the vanguard of a brand-new high-speed rail network for the North".

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