Tories ponder Liverpool minister

Sep 6 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL could have a dedicated government minister under a Tory government.

Shadow minister for Liverpool Chris Grayling, said yesterday a senior politician was needed to maintain links with the city.

In June Labour created a minister for the North West, currently occupied by MP for Stretford and Urmston, Beverly Hughes.

The last time Liverpool had a dedicated minister was when Michael Heseltine took on the role following the Toxteth riots in 1981.

“Liverpool may already have five Labour MPs, none of them have very senior positions, and it’s questionable how much influence they have at the top table,” said Mr Grayling, who has held the shadow position for the past 16 months and regularly visits to meet community groups and business leaders.

Yesterday he joined members at the Liverpool Conservative Business Forum to discuss increasing the party’s representation in the city.

He said he hoped to prove the party could bring fresh thinking to challenges in Liverpool.

Sir Philip Carter, former Everton FC chairman, has agreed to be president of the forum which had its fourth meeting yesterday.