Today, one of Liverpool’s most successful Lord Mayors will hand over the ceremonial chain to one of the city’s biggest political figures, reports City Editor David Bartlett

As part of the activities to mark the anniversary, he helped fund a record to raise money for the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

His huge fund-raising effort also meant the Marina Dalglish appeal, Alzheimer's Society, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Imagine Appeal all received cheques for more than £100,000.

But what received less publicity is the residual pot of money he set aside for Liverpool causes.

The Lord Mayor’s charity gave the family of murdered builder Gary Dunne £5,000 to help meet the costs of flying his body home in March, following a three-year battle.

And Cllr Rotheram also helped the Walking with Giants Foundation set up by the family of Alex Connerty, who, at just 30ins tall, suffers from primordial dwarfism.

“It was not me helping them, it was the generosity of the people of Liverpool,” said Cllr Rotheram.

He has discovered just how vital volunteers are to many organisations operating across the city.

“I found every single organisation has volunteers propping them up. Liverpool is basically run by volunteers and their goodwill.”

Council leader Warren Bradley said Cllr and Mrs Rotheram had been “fabulous” throughout the year. Steve has acquitted himself brilliantly and been an excellent public face for Liverpool.”

Throughout, he has tried to be totally impartial, which extended to cheering both Liverpool and Everton when attending matches.

Liverpool fan Cllr Rotheram said: “I have to admit, when Dan Gosling scored in the Merseyside derby, I thought ‘Oh my God’.

“It was difficult, but I wanted to be impartial.”