TWO Halton councillors are set to take senior roles on Steve Rotheram’s new team.
The Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority – which includes Halton, Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens and Sefton – was returned to office following elections earlier this month.
His top team for the coming year will include Cllr Mike Wharton, councillor for Ditton, Hale Village and Halebank and the new leader of Halton Borough Council. He will take the lead on the Culture, Tourism & The Visitor Economy portfolio.
Cllr Louise Whitley, who represents Halton View in Widnes, is set to take the role of deputy lead for Education & Skills and Equality & Diversity.
The appointments are expected to be endorsed at the Combined Authority’s Annual General Meeting on Friday, 4 June.
Cllr Whitley said: “This is a key area that we are doing a lot of work on in Halton, with great support from the Liverpool City Region.
“It is early days yet, but I am looking forward to really getting involved and building on the good work that is taking place.”
The culture, leisure and tourism economy has been devastated by the fallout from the Covid pandemic, with helping to get it back up and running likely to pose a significant challenge for the Combined Authority. It is a challenge though which Cllr Wharton said he is relishing.
He said: “I am particularly pleased to be the portfolio holder for Culture, Tourism and the Visitor Economy as this is a vital area as we strive to get the hospitality sector back on its feet. It also coincides with Halton’s year as Borough of Culture, for which we have a great programme of events for everyone to enjoy.”
Speaking about the new appointments, Mr Rotheram added: “I need a strong team around me and I’m really lucky to have some fantastic, local leaders to help shape and deliver on my vision for the region.”
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