LIVERPOOL is a “leading contender” to win the relocation of around 5,000 jobs from the Ministry of Justice, according to North West Minister Phil Woolas.

His comments came after he was taken on a tour of the city’s Pall Mall area, where it is proposed new offices could be built for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Liverpool Council’s opposition Labour leader, Cllr Joe Anderson, took Mr Woolas to the site as part of a campaign to secure the vital jobs for the city.

Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham are also bidding to land the relocation of MoJ jobs from London.

Mr Woolas, who is also MP for Oldham East, said he would be lobbying for the North-West, and the decision would be primarily based on who could provide the best value for the taxpayer.

Last night, Steve Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA), said the fact his agency owned part of the Pall Mall site could help Liverpool’s bid. When it comes to value for money, it means that Liverpool might be seen by the Ministry of Justice as an advantage.”

He said the MoJ was currently in the phase of gathering information about different cities.

The Daily Post can reveal the MoJ’s financial director general, Marco Pierleoni, has recently travelled to Liverpool to look at the options.

The Ministry is looking for between 800,000 sq ft and one million sq ft of office space in the long term. It is understood the MoJ wants to relocate an initial 1,000 jobs within the next 18 to 24 months, with more to follow in later years.

“What’s important is that there is a worked-up plan here. Liverpool’s case clearly has substance to it and is bound to be a leading contender,” said Mr Woolas.

“Liverpool has been reborn as a hub for business, culture and regeneration. The fact that it is a serious contender shows how far this great city has come in recent years.”

Cllr Anderson said he believed the case for Liverpool was compelling.

“We believe this would be a great location for the Ministry of Justice to relocate to.

“Part of the site is owned by the NWDA. It would provide value for money but would also continue the regeneration of the city.”