The election of a new leader of the Liverpool Labour group has been welcomed by many across the city.
Cllr Liam Robinson, who represents the Kensington and Fairfield ward of the city, was comfortably voted in as the new leader of Liverpool's ruling group at a closed doors meeting of Labour councillors last night. He fended off challenges from fellow councillors Ruth Bennet and Liz Parsons to take over leadership of the group.
Sources at the meeting told the ECHO that Cllr Robinson "smashed it" with his speech to the group and as expected was voted in as leader. The 40-year-old now takes over the position of Labour group leader from current Mayor Joanne Anderson. Mayor Anderson will however continue in her role as mayor and city leader until May's elections, when she will leave the council altogether.
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As the new group leader, Cllr Robinson will focus his attention on Labour's campaign for those all out elections in May. He will also try to prepare the group for life after the mayor and the position she holds, with the council set to revert back to a leader and cabinet model from May onwards.
The Mayor congratulated Cllr Robinson on his election and praised him, stating: "I extend my warmest wishes to Liam Robinson on his election as the new leader of the Labour group. Liam joined my cabinet earlier this year – he is intelligent, hard-working and committed to the people of Liverpool. I am confident he will make an excellent leader."
For many, there is hope that the well liked and respected Cllr Robinson can help to move the group and potentially the city council on from recent scandals and rows. The ruling Labour group has seen the city effectively taken over by government commissioners after a damning inspection lifted the lid on poor practices, bad decisions and a toxic culture in the Cunard Building.
Others from across the Labour movement and beyond congratulated Cllr Robinson and welcomed the result. St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer said: "Congratulations Liam Robinson. This is a great result for the people of Liverpool and I know you’ll do a smashing job. I’ve always been impressed with your professionalism every time we have worked together."
Wirral Council leader Jan Williamson said: "Huge well done Liam Robinson and I look forward to working even more closely with you."
St Helens Council leader David Baines added: "Congratulations to the new Leader of Liverpool Labour, Liam Robinson. I’ve worked alongside him for a number of years now and he’s a credit to his city. I know he’ll do an outstanding job."
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, who has worked closely with Cllr Robinson in his transport role with the combined authority, added: "Massive congratulations! Liam is a team player who has been an invaluable help to me at the Combined Authority. Look forward to working with him, the Mayor and Labour Group to deliver for Liverpool and the wider city region."
And Labour member Lawrence Dunn, who works for Wavertree MP Paula Barker, was full of praise for the new Labour leader, adding: "Liam is intelligent, professional, has huge integrity and has proven he can work with people across the different political factions of the party. Most importantly, he is just a nice fella who wants to do his best for the city."
For Liverpool resident Elke Weissmann, the election provided the prospect of a more positive future for the council and city. She said: "It will be a difficult job to sort out Liverpool, but this gives me a bit of hope."
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