LIVERPOOL is in the running to get 2,500 jobs, as the Ministry of Justice looks for locations for a new regional HQ.

The MoJ is looking to build a 250,000 sq ft regional office as part of its relocation and rationalisation plans, and Liverpool is under consideration as a new home. Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley last night said the city was selling itself on its public sector track record and the low cost of renting office space.

Liverpool Labour MPs Louise Ellman and Peter Kilfoyle last night said they would be lobbying hard for the MoJ to bring its new office to the city.

It is understood there is tough competition from Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol.

Last night, the MoJ said no decision had yet been made, but that it would depend on a strong business case and value for money.

The Daily Post understands the MoJ has brought in Stephen Foot, of London consulting firm Concerto, to look at the various regional options.

The MoJ has a requirement to provide an initial phase of accommodation for 1,000 staff, with plans to increase the new base to house 2,500 staff.

This would mean an initial size 85,000 sq ft of office space extending up to 250,000 sq ft later.

Some of the staff from the London office of the Ministry will be relocated to the new centre, and the campus is also set to take in a number of existing regional offices.

The new campus is set to be fully operational by 2013 if everything goes to plan.

The restructuring plans at the MoJ are part of a £1bn cost-cutting programme introduced ahead of an operational efficiency review by the Treasury which is due to be brought in by the Government in the budget of 2009-10.

Under the review, government departments are being urged to make savings of £30bn, with most cuts expected to be made through property, procurement and IT.