Travel boss to keep top job

Jun 28 2007 by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post

Merseytravel chairman Mark Dowd (158)

MARK DOWD is expected to be re-elected for another term today as chairman of the region’s transport executive, Merseytravel.

The Sefton Labour councillor, who has been at the helm of the transport executive for a number of years, is likely to win, despite the Liberal Democrats now being the largest party on Merseytravel.

It has been Labour controlled since being established in 1986 after Margaret Thatcher abolished Merseyside County Council.

Politicians had wondered what would happen following a shift in the political balance.

But the Daily Post understands the minority Conservative group will join with Labour to ensure Cllr Dowd continues.

The 18-member executive now has nine Lib-Dems, seven Labour and two Conservatives.

If the two Conservatives, Bob Roberts from Sefton and Chris Blakeley from Wirral, support Cllr Dowd, it could result in a 9-9 split.

But standing orders o allow the outgoing chairman to use a casting vote on tied votes at the AGM, which would mean Cllr Dowd being able to vote to keep himself in the job.