Liverpool City Region mayoral hopefuls to gather for BBC live debate

The role is designed to provide a closer link between the city region and central government

People across Merseyside and Halton will head to the polls on 2 May to elect the next mayor of the Liverpool City Region.

The role, created in 2017, is designed to provide a closer link between the city region and central government, and to enable more local decision-making.

BBC Radio Merseyside will host a debate between four of the candidates later.

You can listen live on the radio or watch it either on the BBC News website or BBC iPlayer from 12:00 BST.

The debate will also be screened on BBC One in the North West of England from 22:45 BST.

It will feature local people who want to know how the candidates propose to tackle issues such as homelessness, increasing transparency and accountability of decision-making, and boosting the region's economy.

People over 18 who are registered to vote in Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Halton can participate in the election.

The metro mayor oversees decisions about transport, skills, housing, regeneration, culture and the environment.

Liverpool City Region receives funding from central government and there is the potential for more powers to be devolved to the city region in future.

You can read more about the candidates here.

All five candidates will be appearing on BBC Radio Merseyside in the week beginning 22 April.