Combined Authority sharpens focus on inclusive growth, air quality, and further devolution

A reshuffle of portfolio holders by Steve Rotheram, will see Liverpool City Region Combined Authority signal a sharper focus on inclusive growth, air quality, and further devolution, at its AGM today.

The shake up sees Graham Morgan and Derek Long, the new leaders of Knowsley and St Helens councils, respectively, join the Combined Authority.

It also sees new portfolios introduced for Inclusive Growth, Economic Development, Digital and Innovation; Transport and Air Quality; and Public Sector Reform and Further Devolution.

At the same meeting a number of deputy portfolio holder positions were announced.  All of the new deputy appointments are women and they will play a key role in developing policy and representing their portfolio areas.  Their appointment will also help the Combined Authority establish a better gender balance.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region, said:

“I’d like to welcome Graham Morgan and Derek Long to their new roles. I’m sure they will both make a huge contribution. 

“The key thing we have been able to do with these changes is to refine the portfolios to sharpen our focus on delivering our £1bn investment programme and make the most of the expertise we have across the city region.

“That is why we are focusing on economic growth that is inclusive and benefits everyone; on improving air quality, which has such a deleterious effect on our residents’ health, and on looking at how we can achieve further devolution powers to help us transform the city region for the better.”

Portfolio holders

Deputy portfolio holders