VS6 Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Hustings – 20/04/2021 

Last week, VS6 hosted the LIverpool City Region VCFSE Hustings event, where all three Metro Mayor candidates that attended welcomed and committed to the VCFSE LCR manifesto. Candidates agreed that working with the sector is something that they recognise as vital for our communities and the recovery of Liverpool City Region. 

It was a fantastic afternoon with some great questions from our VCFSE colleagues, focusing on some key issues for the communities and organisations across the region. They explored how the Metro Mayor candidates plan to work with, and support the sector over the next three years, including working towards the ambitions of the VCFSE manifesto.  

The event was held via Zoom and was attended by 58 representatives from the VCFSE sector in LCR, with three of the Metro Mayor candidates in attendance including Steve Rotheram (Labour and current Metro Mayor), Gary Cargill (Green), with Katie Burgess representing Jade Marsden (Conservative). 

Specifically, there were 7 questions asked in total of each candidate focusing on digital inclusion, inequalities, food insecurity, fair employment, and how the Metro Mayor will support and invest in the sector. 

Steve Rotheram (Labour) used his answers to reflect on his achievements to date since 2017 as the Metro Mayor of LCR, including the development of the LCR Cares crowdfunder for the VCFSE sector, creating the VCFSE Mayoral Advisor role, the Race Equality programme and the Fair Employment Charter. He also discussed how he would support communities and the sector moving forward through digital upskilling, and leading in digital connectivity, liaising with the Government for a trial of Universal Basic Income, implementing a £150m COVID recovery fund and building capacity in the VCFSE sector. 

Gary Cargill (Green) discussed his plan for improving Liverpool City Region, and how a focus on environmental security and social justice, links to better outcomes for our communities. Key points included recycling digital devices to ensure everyone has the access to technology, setting up Citizen Assemblies for legislation and policy to be scrutinised by communities, implementing a Universal Basic Income, supporting the sector to lobby Government and having an “open-door” policy for the sector to raise concerns. 

Katie Burgess (Conservative) talked about “building back better and beyond” through recouping the regions economic strength to develop a strong, sustainable economy working with the sector. Areas for progress included working with broadband providers to provide affordable internet for those in need, upskilling individuals and families to cook healthy meals within their budget, ensuring recognition for the LCR sector locally and nationally, and engaging with the VCFSE sector and communities to level up the region. 

We would like to thank Steve, Gary and Katie for attending the Hustings and to our VCFSE sector for attending and submitting their questions to the candidates. David Newman of the Liberal Democrats was due to attend however due to personal circumstance was unfortunately unable to do so. 

For a full breakdown of the event and the answers provided by candidates, you can find the VS6 Twitter thread here which provides a summary of the event as it was happening. You can also watch the Hustings in full on YouTube by clicking here. 

As a reminder, the LCR Metro Mayor elections are being held on May 6th 2021 for you to have your say on who you want to be leading the recovery of the Liverpool City Region working in collaboration with the VCFSE sector.