Mayor of the Liverpool City Region

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Mayor of the Liverpool City Region

Incumbent: Steve Rotheram. He has been the directly elected mayor since 8 May 2017 and was re-elected in 2021 and 2024.

What the role is: The mayor is the directly elected leader of the Liverpool City Region and chairs the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The role has powers devolved from the central government and is responsible for regional governance.

Powers and budget: The mayor manages about £30 million a year, plus a consolidated transport budget. The role oversees economic development, the adult skills budget, and strategic planning for land.

Election and term: The mayor is elected by the voters of the Liverpool City Region and serves a four-year term.

Creation and context: The office was created by the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016.

Police powers: The Liverpool City Region mayor does not automatically have police and crime commissioner powers for Merseyside Police. In 2019, Steve Rotheram asked to merge the roles, but the police area differs (Halton is not part of Merseyside Police).

Public transport: In October 2023, buses in the region were brought back under public ownership. The mayor now has control over routes, frequencies, fares, standards and related matters.

Other roles: The mayor sits on the Mayoral Council for England and the Council of the Nations and Regions.

Structure and Deputy Mayor: The mayor is the chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which includes six council leaders who form the mayor’s cabinet. One council leader is chosen as Deputy Mayor. The deputy is a borough council leader with a portfolio, appointed by the mayor. The deputy acts in the mayor’s absence and can chair the Combined Authority or discharge the mayor’s powers when needed. The deputy role was established in 2021 and the deputy does not use the title “Deputy Mayor” in front of their name.