Steve Rotheram has been elected the Liverpool City Region’s first-ever Metro Mayor.
The Walton MP scooped almost 60% of votes with 171,167 – almost three times the numbers of second-placed Tony Caldeira from the Conservatives.
Rotheram previously held Labour’s position in the constituency for seven years, strengthening its majority from 58% to 72% at the 2015 General Election.
But is unlikely to stand for re-election next month, in the party’s safest seat across the entire UK, in order to lead the region’s combined authority.
Six districts voted for the inaugural Metro Mayor, with Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral, St Helens and Halton all going to the polls on Thursday.
Prior to winning Labour’s nomination for this election, Rotheram was the Lord Mayor of Liverpool during its European Capital of Culture year in 2008.
He was also a local councillor for Fazakerley for nine years from 2002.
He said: “This result means we can demonstrate what happens when Labour values are put into practice and this result means we can build a platform for our party in our area to go on to General Election success.
“Our people have sent an early warning shot across the Tory bows.
“Our people have voted for policies that we can all get behind and our people have given me an overwhelming mandate.
“I promise I won’t let you down.”