Liberal Democrats unveil team to offer 'new vision' for Liverpool

David Humphreys

14 May 2024 at 0:01 pm·2-min read

Cllr Carl Cashman, leader of Liverpool Liberal Democrats -Credit:Liverpool ECHO

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

A year on from landmark local elections in which the electoral map of Liverpool was redrawn, the Liberal Democrats have shuffled their pack in a bid to challenge the Labour administration. The group won 15 of the 85 newly created seats following the changes to the make-up of the council last year.

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

Cllr Cashman, 31, made the move over having represented Prescot, in last year’s election and said his group were “on a mission” to provide accountability to the Labour Party. He said: “It’s been a really big first year for me and the whole group.

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

The Lib Dem leader took over the reins from incoming Lord Mayor and long-serving leader Cllr Richard Kemp. He said being in opposition was about “holding power to account” and cited committees held by the group including audit and education.

Moving into the second year challenging Labour, Cllr Cashman has confirmed nine of his colleagues will hold shadow cabinet positions. Cllr Andrew Makinson will take up a position of finance and council honesty spokesperson, with Cllr Mirna Juarez in a safer roads, safer city post.

Cllr Rob McAllister-Bell, who challenged Labour’s Steve Rotheram in this month’s Metro Mayor elections, will take on a business facing position, with Cllr Dave Antrobus tasked with housing and homelessness. Deputy group leader, Cllr Liz Makinson, will take on city health, equality and adult social care with Cllr Laurence Sidorzcuk shadowing culture, sport and major events.

Former council leader and member of the House of Lords, Cllr Mike Storey, will take the shadow education and children’s social services brief with Cllr Rebecca Turner focusing on the environment. Cllr Malcolm Kelly is named group chief whip.

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

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