LIVERPOOL council leader Joe Anderson last night appointed the key members of the first Labour administration in the city for 12 years.

The group has dispensed with the term "executive board", with the 10-strong team known once again as the "cabinet".

Many of those who had served as shadow spokesmen during the last year of the Liberal Democrats’ rule have been given senior posts, with Cllr Anderson saying he believed he had the best team to guide Liverpool through uncertain economic times.

Cllr Anderson said: "We have pulled together the strongest, most talented group from within the council.

"I’m excited about working with them and look forward to leading a team that will face the challenges that we have to face as a city.

"But also, we need to develop the potential the city has, take it to the next level but, most importantly, take the people of the city to it."

Cllr Anderson said he had opted to change the name of the administration from executive board to cabinet, adding that: "I just want people to know we are not a board of directors, we are a political cabinet elected by the people, and we will be judged by the people.

"People need to know that we are making our decisions based on our political priorities, policies and pledges that the city voted to support when it elected us."

On which member of the business community would take a non-executive role in the cabinet, Cllr Anderson added: "It’s up to the businesses. I don’t want to be accused of putting in someone I want or like, so I shall let the business community choose."

Deputy leader Cllr Paul Brant will also take responsibility for finance and resources, while former education select committee chair Cllr Jane Corbett takes on responsibility for education and children’s services.

Select committees will be set up to look into employment and housing issues.

Deputy leader Cllr Brant added: "Housing market renewal funding is at risk.

"It’s a 15 year programme and we are five years in, so if the government takes the money out now, we must make sure we are not left with boarded up houses with nothing to show for it.

"Also, money for social care is also key, and I’m particularly worried about the money needed for the Royal Hospital redevelopment, and we don’t know how the government will regard the commitment to fund the hospital.

"Also, the underlying issue of the declining population of the city needs to be addressed, as it has been in decline for the last 10 years."

The first formal meeting of the cabinet is expected to take place following the full meeting of the council on May 25.

Meet the cabinet >>