Lib Dems Announce Rob McAllister-Bell as Metro Mayor Candidate

The Liverpool Liberal Democrat councillor has outlined how he and his party would be a change in direction from the Labour incumbent. His top priorities are:

• Improving public transport across the city region, connecting key sites like finally delivering a direct connection to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and plugging the gaps left by Merseyrail. The Lib Dems have set the goal of electronic tickets and tap-on tap-off to be introduced within two years. Rob has committed to protecting concessionary passes on Merseytravel access for the over 60s.
• Delivering a Liverpool ready for the next 100 years. The Liberal Democrats are pitching to make Liverpool a business-friendly city that is looking to grow and develop high quality and well-paying jobs in growth sectors. That means Liverpool is primed to be a centre of innovation and industry for the next 100 years tackling the challenges we face like the climate emergency. 
• Putting powers back into communities by having wider consultation with councillors in the City Region. Rob has committed to attending a meeting of each local authority and taking questions from Councillors and the public about the work the City Region is doing. He would also look to expand the role of current elected representatives in decision making for the City Region.

Cllr McAllister-Bell was elected to the old Mossely Hill Ward for the first time in 2021 and was returned as the sole councillor for newly redrawn Mossley Hill Ward in 2023. Since joining the council, he’s been known for his impassioned speeches, especially on homelessness when he has hit out against Liverpool Labour’s lack of remorse or compassion on the issue. He is also Deputy Leader of Liberal Democrat Group and has spoken openly about his experiences as an openly gay and disabled man in politics.

Cllr Rob McAllister-Bell said, “It’s a great honour to have been selected as a candidate in this election. Steve has had the Mayoralty for 7 years now, and like so many people I wonder what was the point? What has he achieved that wouldn’t have happened without him? Now, he’s asking for 4 more years to really make a difference - that’s just not going to wash with voters in the city region.

“That’s why I want this election to be about the change that the Liberal Democrats can bring to the City Region. When we took over the Liverpool City Council in 1998, we brought Liverpool One, the Capital of Culture and made long lasting changes that have made Liverpool a great place to live. If I’m elected, then I won’t be the mayor on one Mann Island. I want to make sure I’m out across the city region, talking to residents, communities, and local leaders. Even here in Liverpool the City Region can feel distant because there is no accountability or proper scrutiny. 

“This May, voters have a clear choice that can have Labour’s missing Mayor cooped up in his office or back the Lib Dems for a new change of direction.”

Former Leader of Liverpool City Council, Lord Mike Storey said, “Rob is a fantastic candidate for the Mayoralty. He is exactly what we need in the City Region, a breath of fresh air to blow away all the cobwebs that Labour have left with their empty promises and half-finished projects. Its time for change and only the Lib Dems can deliver that change