Metro Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham will be put on the spot on their plans for economic growth at the next Institute of Directors event in Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports
Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham were first elected as the Metro Mayors of Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester in 2017 – but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic they truly rose to national prominence.
At the height of the pandemic in 2020 and, in particular during the confusion of localised restrictions in the autumn, both men were clarion voices in challenging the Government’s often chaotic response to combating the spread of the virus.
They won vital concessions for their respective regions and, critically, secured financial support that allowed them to offer cash lifelines to businesses and communities. In May this year both were re-elected as the Labour candidates in the city region mayoral elections.
And later this month, both will face an audience of business leaders at a face-to-face event at ACC Liverpool organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD). David Wafer, managing director of McIver Scott Recruitment, and chair of the Liverpool city region branch of the IoD, will be asking the questions.
David said: “We last welcomed the Metro Mayors to a virtual event in November and that attracted an audience of 200 people. Last month we held our first face-to-face event since the pandemic with Liverpool’s newly-elected Mayor Joanne Anderson. She offered us a fascinating insight into her plans for the city.
“With Steve and Andy recently re-elected we will be asking them for more details about their plans for the economy and how they can best support our local businesses as they look to get back on their feet. I look forward to putting the key questions to them.”
The event will take place on Friday, July 16, at ACC Liverpool, starting at 2.15pm. Sponsors are Kays Medical, DSG Chartered Accountants and ACC Liverpool. It is open to members and non-members of the IoD.
For more information, and to book a place, click here
There is also an opportunity for the audience to submit questions in advance. Email Matthew.Hall@iod.com by 5pm on July 13.