Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to be led by Liverpool mayor

Joe Anderson, the current mayor of Liverpool, has been appointed to lead the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority after Phil Davies, Wirral Council leader, stepped down from the role.

Anderson was appointed to the position unanimously by other council leaders within the combined authority, after Davies nominated him for the job.

Leaders from St Helens, Wirral, Sefton, Halton and Knowsley will make up a ‘super cabinet’ with roles ranging from housing, economic development, transport and health. The Liverpool mayor will oversee moves to prepare for the election of a ‘metro mayor’ in 2017, as well as further negotiations with the government over devolving more powers to the region.

Anderson described the devolution deal as a ‘game changer’, saying it was a ‘great opportunity to shape our own destiny’ in the face of funding reductions.

Commenting on Anderson’s appointment, Davies said: “It was a historic moment and the Combined Authority still has much work to do to negotiate the next set of devolved powers and resources and ensure the capacity and capability to deliver devolution is in place.

“Having helped to negotiate the Liverpool City Region devolution deal, I felt now was the right moment to rebalance my time in favour of my duties as Wirral council leader.”

“I have no doubt at all that Joe will build on what we have already achieved. He has a passion for the City Region and a desire to see it succeed as a major economic force within the Northern Powerhouse.

“His experience in leading Liverpool successfully in the face of some massive challenges in recent years will be invaluable in taking on this new role and I look forward to continuing to work with him to make a positive contribution along with my fellow Leaders and the City Region’s Local Enterprise Partnership.”