TWO of Liverpool’s most influential veteran councillors retired from frontline politics last night.

Former council leader Sir Trevor Jones and ex-Liberal Democrat leader Paul Clark officially called time on their illustrious political careers at Liverpool town hall.

Nine other Lib-Dem councillors will also step down in May, including former Lord Mayor Roger Johnson.

The trio were given standing ovations at a meeting of the full council last night.

Sir Trevor, who led the city in the 1970s and became known as “Jones the Vote” first joined the council in 1968.

He served until 1991, and in 2002 was persuaded to become a councillor again.

Last night, he revealed he is writing a book about his time in politics.

Sir Trevor said: “In the course of that time, I have met some fantastic people.

“Now you do not know how easy you have got it. We used to start at 1.30pm and go on until 2am or 3am, and then adjourn it.

“Council meetings could go on for as long as two days, but there was genuine debate.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve you all – thank you very much.”

Cllr Clark was leader of the opposition between 1988 and 1991 and has been a close advisor of former council leader Mike Storey and current leader Warren Bradley.

He also served as Lord Mayor at the start of Liverpool’s year as Capital of Culture.

He represents County ward, in Walton, and was first elected in 1976.

Cllr Clark said he was proud of how, during his early days as a representative, the council succeeded in closing down children’s homes which were later revealed to be a “hotbed for abuse”.