Steve Rotheram 300

EX-LORD Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram edged closer to becoming Walton’s new MP after being chosen by a landslide as the constituency’s Labour general election candidate.

Cllr Rotheram received 101 votes compared with six for his nearest rival, Alun Hayes.

The married father-of-three said he intended to build upon the strong Labour movement in the constituency, but warned despite the clear win, he would not be complacent in the run-up to May’s national poll.

He said: "It is a great privilege to be chosen by members of the Labour Party to represent them at the next election and hopefully the people of Walton in Parliament after that.Liverpool Walton has been proudly served by Peter Kilfoyle for many years, and we will miss his contribution to the city and Parliament.

"I am determined to fight for a future fair for all in Walton and continue to ensure action is taken to support jobs and the local economy, helping businesses and families."

Cllr Rotheram, who represents Fazakerley on Liverpool council, paid tribute to the "phenomenal" performance of outgoing MP Peter Kilfoyle.