Lib Dems unveil team offering ‘new vision’ for Liverpool

Liverpool Council’s biggest opposition group has said it wants to deliver “a new vision for the city” as it unveils its shadow cabinet team.

A year on from landmark local elections that saw Liverpool’s electoral map redrawn, the Liberal Democrats have shuffled their decks in a bid to challenge the Labor administration. The group won 15 of the 85 newly created seats following last year’s board changes.

This included leader Carl Cashman, who moved from Knowsley Council and has now confirmed who will take up key roles in his team.

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Cllr Cashman, 31, made the move to represent Prescot at last year’s election and said his group was “on a mission” to answer the Labor Party. He said: “It’s been a really big first year for me and the whole group.

“Liverpool is a unique city and has its own style of politics.”

The Lib Dem leader has taken over the reins from incoming mayor and long-time leader Cllr Richard Kemp. He said being in opposition meant “holding the power to answer” and cited committees held by the group, including audit and education.

Moving into his second year challenging Labour, Cllr Cashman confirmed that nine of his colleagues will take up positions in the shadow cabinet. Cllr Andrew Makinson will serve as the council’s Finance and Integrity Spokesperson, with Cllr Mirna Juarez in a safer on the roads, safer in the city post.

Cllr Rob McAllister-Bell, who challenged Labor leader Steve Rotheram in this month’s Metro Mayor election, will take up a business position and Cllr Dave Antrobus will be in charge of housing and homelessness. The group’s deputy leader, Cllr Liz Makinson, will look after the city’s health, equality and adult social care, with Cllr Laurence Sidorzcuk walking culture, sport and major events.

Former council leader and House of Lords member Cllr Mike Storey will take the children’s education and social services shadow briefing, with Cllr Rebecca Turner focusing on the environment. Cllr Malcolm Kelly is appointed Group Leader.

Cllr Cashman said: “With this new frontline team, we are setting out Liverpool Lib Dems’ power priorities – from tackling homelessness to fixing our broken roads, cleaning up the city to putting transparency and honesty at the top of the agenda. I am deeply proud of the talented and experienced team we have, not only will we hold Labor to account, but we will put forward a Lib Dem alternative and a new vision for the city.”

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