Joe Anderson has been re-elected Mayor of Liverpool following yesterday’s mayoral vote.
The city’s Labour leader, who has been leader of Liverpool City Council for four years, took 52.6% of the first-preference votes, beating closest rival Richard Kemp of the Liberal Democrats by more than 20,000 votes.
Anderson’s share of the vote was down by 6.4%, however, with nearest challengers the Liberal Democrats recovering across the city, taking three council seats from Labour in Allerton & Hunts Cross, Tuebrook and Stoneycroft and Woolton.
The 58-year-old Labour leader is now expected to fulfill the role of mayor for a further year, before campaigning to become Metro Mayor of the wider Liverpool City Region in 2017.
Speaking after the announcement at Liverpool Tennis Centre in Picton, a proud Anderson promised to push forward with ambitious plans to implement a sustainable housing programme in Liverpool, as well as a bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games: “Four years ago when I was elected as mayor it was one of the proudest days of my political life.
“And to receive this endorsement despite the financial challenges we have had is pretty good.
“I’m pleased with the result and I think given that we have had this onslaught from all other parties on issues like green spaces, and the Tory collapse which gave the others a boost, is also pretty good.”
“Our house building programme will be a game changer to help people get on the housing ladder without a deposit. That is the type of policy we have to do.
“Our energy company and plans to get energy from the River Mersey will also have a massive impact, and we will continue to improve education, support our schools, and improve skills to enable local people to take the jobs that are being created, as well as continuing to protect green spaces, but also improve our city.”
“I’m working with other city region leaders [on the Commonwealth Games bid] and they are delighted with this.”