People living in the six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral and Halton), have a choice of five candidates to vote for their next mayor on May 2. Here’s everything you need to know about Steve Rotheram.
Steve Rotheram, Labour, is seeking a third term as mayor of Liverpool City Region.
Steve Rotheram, 62, has been the mayor of the Liverpool City Region since the role was created in 2017.
Mr Rotheram was born and raised in Kirkby, and began a bricklaying apprenticeship before running his own building company. He then worked for the Learning and Skills Council.
Mr Rotheram used to be an MP, elected into parliament to represent Liverpool Walton in 2010 and has previously served as the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
He supports Liverpool Football club and is an active campaigner on issues relating to the Hillsborough disaster. Mr Rotheram was present at the match and has since been an advocate for bringing justice to the families of the 97 people killed.
On his website, Mr Rotheram has said he wants the Liverpool City Region to be “ambitious, fair, green, connected and together”.
He wants to improve the region’s transport system by introducing a fully integrated “London-style” transport network by 2028, with greater public control of trains and buses. Mr Rotheram also wants to introduce a rapid bus transit system to link the city centre with the airport and football stadia.
He also wants to make Mersey Tidal Power “shovel ready” by 2028 to harness the power of the River Mersey in order to generate energy for the region.
Mr Rotheram also pledges to attract 25% more foreign direct investment into the region by 2030 and establish Liverpool City Region as a leader in the AI for Good movement. He plans to create an AI taskforce to deliver this.
Mr Rotheram also recognises the importance of providing excellent post-16 education and says the LCR Pathway will give students high-quality technical training.
All information for the candidates can be found under the Politics section on merseynewslive.co.uk
