Liverpool City Region Combined Authority today held its first meeting with newly elected Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram in the chair.

There was more to the new look of the Combined Authority with Steve Rotheram unveiling a set of new portfolios for Combined Authority members, with the Metro Mayor himself, taking on a key responsibility for Innovation and the Digital Economy as well as Policy and Finance.

Speaking at the meeting Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“My role – and the role of the Combined Authority – is to re-think, re-position and remake our City Region. Our vision must be to deliver a confident, dynamic and prosperous area that will be a positive economic and creative asset for the UK.

“We are here to drive prosperity, encourage innovation and expand opportunities for people and communities in every part of our City Region. We are lucky to live in a place with an extraordinary story – and outstanding physical, natural and economic assets. We have one of the most recognizable brands on the planet – and an abundance of creative energy. Devolution therefore, gives us the opportunity to fulfill our potential.”

Key portfolio appointments are:

• Business and Brexit – Asif Hamid (Chair Liverpool City Region LEP)
• Economic Development and Culture – Cllr Phil Davies (Leader Wirral Council)
• Housing and Public Service Reform – Mayor Joe Anderson (Mayor of Liverpool)
• Energy and Renewables – Cllr Rob Polhill (Leader Halton Council)
• Skills and Apprenticeships – Cllr Ian Maher (Leader Sefton Council)
• Health, Adult and Social Care – Cllr Andy Moorehead (Leader Knowsley Council)
• Spatial Planning, Environment and Air Quality – Cllr Barrie Grunewald (Leader St Helens Council)

In addition, Cllr Liam Robinson, will also be joining the Combined Authority to lead on Transport and the Combined Authority also agreed to appoint Merseytravel Chief Executive, Frank Rogers, as its new Interim Head of Paid Service, pending the recruitment of a permanent new appointment for the key role.

The Metro Mayor, explained:

“We have today agreed to start the recruitment process and are confident of having a very high calibre appointment in place before the end of the summer. This is a hugely important role and we will are embarking on a process to find a candidate who shares our ambition and vision for City Region. We are delighted to have Frank working with us full-time pending that appointment. He is a highly experienced and respected senior officer whose talents and understanding will be invaluable to the Combined Authority.”