Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson names new cabinet

The first female mayor of Liverpool has unveiled her team of councillors after disposing of all the members of the previous cabinet on her first day.

Joanne Anderson is the first directly-elected black woman to lead a major UK city after being named mayor on 8 May.

The Labour politician vowed to restore the troubled council's reputation as she named her cabinet with Councillor Jane Corbett her deputy.

She said it was the "beginning of a new era" at Liverpool City Council.

Ms Corbett will be cabinet member of finance and resources as her "experience and track record is one based around values", the mayor said.

She had previously shown commitment to tackling fairness and poverty in the city, she added.

By Claire Hamilton, BBC Radio Merseyside political reporter

There aren't many familiar names in this cabinet - but that's rather the point.

Jane Corbett brings the most experience, she is well thought of both inside the local Labour party and within the city at large.

She has served as cabinet member for education and mayoral lead for fairness.

Beyond Ms Corbett, most cabinet members haven't been councillors for longer than a couple of terms and at least four are under the age of 30.

This has prompted Liberal Democrat leader Richard Kemp to scathingly refer to them as "babes in the wood".

Wider reaction has been mixed - with some delighted by the potential of fresh ideas and new energy, while others have bemoaned the loss of expertise in areas like adult social care.

This is a cabinet largely on the left of the Labour Party, grounded in community activism and grass roots politics.

It's got an enormous challenge ahead: rebuilding trust in local politicians, bringing Liverpool safely out of a pandemic, ensuring the city's schools improve, addressing health inequalities and protecting services.

Ms Anderson said the other portfolio holders, "bringing with them a bright, fresh vision, energy and expertise", were:

"This is the beginning of a new era at Liverpool City Council," the mayor said, adding she was "hugely excited" and "very proud" to be leading the team.

She said she had been "impressed with their passion and commitment to making a difference to the life of residents in our city".

She said in the coming weeks she said they would be "outlining more about our priorities for Liverpool".

"We are determined to restore the council's reputation and make sure that our city plan delivers improvements to the lives of all citizens," she added.

Government inspectors were sent to investigate the Labour-run council after five men were arrested by police investigating allegations of fraud, bribery, corruption, misconduct in public office and witness intimidation at the council.

They included then Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, who has since stood down. All the men deny the allegations.

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