Liverpool Council veteran Richard Kemp becomes mayor of the city

One of Liverpool’s longest serving political leaders has been sworn in as the city’s Lord Mayor.

Cllr Richard Kemp said it was a “privilege” to take up the post as he was sworn in as Liverpool’s first citizen at the historic town hall this evening. The veteran Liberal Democrat councilor becomes the latest person to hold the role in the city’s history and takes over from incumbent Lord Mayor Mary Rasmussen.

He also follows in the footsteps of wife and former councillor, Erica, who was Lord Mayor 10 years ago. Cllr Barbara Murray has been appointed as his deputy for the municipal year.

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Cllr Kemp came to Liverpool in 1974 and was elected to serve on the city council a year later. However, this was not a new introduction to the city, with long-standing family ties.

The Liberal Democrat’s mother was born in Walton and his uncle owned a shop on Scotland Road. After leaving for war in 1943, his mother left the town after meeting Richard’s father on an RAF site in Lancashire.

During his four decades of service in Liverpool, Cllr Kemp held a number of influential roles, leading his party on the city council for 11 years before stepping down after last year’s local elections, succeeded by Cllr Carl Cashman. He was also a cabinet member during the Liberal Democrats’ tenure in power of the local authority between the 1990s and 2000s.

At one point Cllr Kemp and his wife Erica were the only two serving members of the group, at a party minimum in 2015. After spending 12 months as deputy mayor, ward member Penny Lane will now take over historical clothes and responsibilities.

The veteran civil servant was also awarded a CBE in 2011 for public service to local government, regeneration and housing. Cllr Kemp and Councilor Erica have three children and five grandchildren who play an important role in their lives.

Their younger daughter, Rachel, served as first lady for her mother during her time as mayor.

Speaking during the annual general meeting at Liverpool City Hall, Cllr Kemp thanked group leaders for their support and said it was a “privilege” to be mayor to his local government and close “families”. He paid tribute to the work of everyone involved at Liverpool Council, adding that they are “a group of people who give their time and effort willingly to do what is often a thankless task”.

Tributes were also paid by Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, who said it was fitting that 50 years since Cllr Kemp’s association with the local authority coincided with his tenure as Lord Mayor. He said he had no doubt the former cabinet member would be a “terrific mayor and ambassador for the year ahead.”

Cllr Cashman said Cllr Kemp remained “passionate about the role local government can play in people’s lives” and was “a perfect example of how powerful” it can be. The Liberal Democrat leader said it was clear his predecessor was “so proud of his home town and representing his constituency in Penny Lane”.

During his 12 months in office, Cllr Kemp promised to support care leavers in the city. He got straight to work, setting up a care leaver fund after securing investments of £100,000 a year for three years. The money, which will be distributed by Liverpool Council, will be on top of other support the authority has in place and will go towards supplies such as college or university books, new interview clothes or household items.

Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services:
“It is fantastic news that the Lord Mayor has chosen to help support those who have left the city’s carers throughout his year in office. We are very excited to be working together to highlight the experiences of care leavers and celebrate their successes.”

A spokesperson for the Community Foundation for Merseyside added:
“Community Foundation for Merseyside is proud to manage the Liverpool Care Leavers Fund. The transition to adulthood can be particularly difficult for young care leavers who may not have had the stability of a stable family life or the support of their own family.”

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