Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced some changes to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s political cabinet ahead of the body’s Annual Meeting on Friday (June 12).
Under its constitution, agreed with government before the election of its first mayor, the Combined Authority is made up of the elected leaders of its six constituent local authorities: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral and chaired by the directly elected mayor of the region.
As the city region takes on its new £1.5 billion Integrated Settlement, a multi-year devolution package, the cabinet has been reshaped to reflect the core competencies that government are measuring its outcomes against.
The refreshed cabinet is as follows:
- Mayor Rotheram will continue to be cabinet lead on Transport and for Policy and Resources.
- Councillor Mike Wharton, Leader of Halton Borough Council, will see Regeneration and Innovation added to his Economic Growth responsibilities. Cllr Wharton will also remain the Deputy Mayor.
- Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, will continue to hold the Housing portfolio with a new focus on Strategic Planning, which reflects the increasing oversight of the Combined Authority in this area.
- Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, will focus on Public Service Innovation and the future transfers of the police and fire functions, as part of the implementation of the English Devolution Act.
- Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, continues to hold the portfolio for Skills and Employment.
- Cllr George Woodward, Leader of St Helens Council, will take on a new Education portfolio.
- Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, will take on control of a new Energy and Environment portfolio.
Speaking about the appointments, Mayor Rotheram said:
“We have a significant year ahead as we prepare to bring our region’s buses back under public control for the first time in 40 years. To ensure the Combined Authority continues delivering on the priorities set out in my manifesto, I have refreshed and expanded cabinet portfolios so we can maintain a clear focus on the issues that matter most to our residents.
“Over the last two years we have won record-levels of funding from national government, having secured £1.6 billion to transform public transport, £700 million to build new social and affordable homes, and £95 million to accelerate stalled regeneration projects.
“I’ve tasked my cabinet with a clear mission: to make the Liverpool City Region the best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business. Having recently secured our first £1.5bn integrated settlement from government, achieving that ambition is now closer than ever – and we’re ready to get to work.”
The Mayor also paid a special tribute to former St Helens Council leader, Anthony Burns, saying:
“I want to thank Anthony for his service to both St Helens and the city region. During his time as leader, he helped secure a record financial settlement from government and played an important role in driving forward major projects for the town, including the transformation of St Helens town centre and new £32 million transport interchange and ensuring that St Helens is the first place to benefit from publicly controlled buses from September this year.
“Anthony is St Helens born and bred, and I know he will continue to be a dedicated community champion. I wish him every success for the future.”
The Mayor has no influence over the selection and appointment of council leaders who are democratically elected in their local authorities.
The full list of nominations is below:
| Portfolio | Cabinet Member |
| Transport, Policy and Resources | Mayor Steve Rotheram |
| Economic Growth and Regeneration | Councillor Mike Wharton |
| Skills and Employment | Councillor Marion Atkinson |
| Housing and Strategic Planning | Councillor Graham Morgan |
| Public Service Innovation | Councillor Liam Robinson |
| Energy and Environment | Councillor Paula Basnett |
| Education | Councillor George Woodward |
The meeting, which will begin at 1pm, will be live screened to allow the public and media to watch via: Agenda for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on Friday, 12th June, 2026, 1.00 pm – Modern Council
At the meeting Mayor Rotheram will also present the Annual Review of the Combined Authority, which will highlight a number of achievements over the past 12 months such as:
- A £1.5bn multi-year Integrated funding Settlement from government
- Publication of a new 10-year Liverpool City Region Growth Plan, which identified a £11bn pipeline of development projects
- The launch of a new £2bn investment fund to accelerate regeneration
- Securing £700 million to support new social and affordable housing
- £1.6 billion funding to transform the city region’s transport network
- Introduction of a new Tap and Go system on Merseyrail, which saw its 1 millionth journey logged in May
- Continuation of the £2 bus fare for adult bus fare until at least end of June 2026
- Commencement of sea trials for first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years, which will become operational this Autumn
- Financial backing for Southport’s Year of Culture 2026
- Supporting UK Town of Culture bids for Birkenhead, Bootle, New Brighton, Prescot, St Helens and Widnes
- Securing government support for introduction of Overnight Levy
- 36,000 learners being supported by £79m Adult Skills Fund.
Other items on Friday’s agenda include the Strategic Investment Fund quarterly report; a request to hold a public consultation on the scope and remit of the proposed Liverpool North Docks Development Corporation and a report recommending the awarding of the contract for the local electric vehicle infrastructure concession.
