Steve Rotheram, the current Labour MP for Walton, pledged to build a large-scale solar energy scheme as part of his ambition to create an ‘energy coast’. Tony McDonough reports

There will be a big push on renewable energy if Labour candidate Steve Rotheram is elected Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor next month.

Mr Rotheram, the current MP for Walton, pledged to create a large-scale solar energy scheme as part of his ambition to create an “energy coast”.

He visited an existing United Utilities solar site in Liverpool to see how he can implement this element his vision.

The solar plans, which complement his plans for the creation of a new Liverpool City Region Renewable Energy company, are likely to be drawn up in the first 100 days of his Mayoralty.

The energy policy will form part of an action plan for the city region to become zero-carbon by 2040.

Mr Rotheram believes investing in renewable energy will help hardworking families across Merseyside and Halton save on their household bills, stimulate economic growth and help tackle climate change.

He said: “In the Liverpool city region we need to be embracing low carbon solutions and technologies.

“Being green is not an optional extra. In the 21st century it is a fundamental necessity, which is why under my Mayoralty we will aim to become the cleanest and greenest city region in the UK.”

The other candidates for the Mayoral election on May 4 are Tony Caldeira (Conservative), Carl Cashman (Lib Dem), Tabitha Morton (Women’s Equality), Tom Crone (Green Party), Paula Walters (UKIP),  Roger Bannister (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition) and Paul Green (Get the Coppers Off the Jury).