The Mayor of Liverpool was a directly elected political office responsible for the executive functions of Liverpool City Council, a local government authority in the city of Liverpool, England. Established following a local referendum in 2012, the role represented a shift towards a more centralized executive leadership model for the city.
History and Creation The position of Mayor of Liverpool was created under the Localism Act 2011, which allowed local authorities to hold referendums on whether to switch to a directly elected mayoral system. A referendum was held in Liverpool on 3 May 2012, with voters choosing to adopt the system. The first mayoral election took place on 15 November 2012, and Labour Party candidate Joe Anderson was elected as the inaugural Mayor.
Prior to the creation of this role, Liverpool City Council operated under a leader and cabinet model, where the leader was chosen by the majority group of councillors. The new directly elected Mayor held significant executive powers that had previously been held collectively by the council's cabinet.
Role and Responsibilities The Mayor of Liverpool served as the political leader and public face of the city. Key responsibilities included:
- Setting the city's strategic direction: Developing and implementing policies for services such as housing, transport, economic development, and environmental matters.
- Budget setting: Proposing and overseeing the city's annual budget.
- Representing Liverpool: Acting as an ambassador for the city both nationally and internationally.
- Chairing the Cabinet: Leading the council's executive decision-making body.
- Making key appointments: Appointing members to the council's cabinet.
The Mayor was accountable to the electorate and subject to scrutiny from the council's overview and scrutiny committees.
Distinction from Lord Mayor of Liverpool It is important to distinguish the directly elected Mayor of Liverpool from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool. The Lord Mayor is a separate, entirely ceremonial, and non-political office. The Lord Mayor is chosen annually by councillors from among their own ranks and serves as the city's first citizen, presiding over civic events and acting as an ambassador for the city's traditions and heritage. The two roles coexist but have fundamentally different functions.
Abolition In March 2021, Liverpool City Council voted to abolish the position of directly elected Mayor. This decision followed a governance review, which recommended a return to a leader and cabinet model. The final Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson (elected in May 2021), served a reduced term. The position was formally abolished in May 2023, with executive power reverting to a leader of the council chosen by elected councillors.
List of Directly Elected Mayors:
- Joe Anderson (Labour): November 2012 – May 2021
- Joanne Anderson (Labour): May 2021 – May 2023
See Also
- Liverpool City Council
- Lord Mayor of Liverpool
- Localism Act 2011
- Mayoral referendums in England 2012