Metro Mayor hails ‘AI revolution’ and 1,000 jobs
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says Liverpool city region is ‘leading the way’ in the UK’s AI ‘revolution’ after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced 1,000 tech jobs would be coming here. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool city region is now “leading the way” in the UK’s “AI revolution” says Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham after it is revealed 1,000 new tech jobs are on the way.
On Sunday evening Prime Minister Keir Starmer said US IT infrastructure services was to establish a new hub in the city region over the next three years. This is part of the UK-wide The AI Opportunities Action Plan that will see £14bn invested.
Kyndryl is a multinational business that was spun out of computer giant IBM. It designs, builds, manages, and develops large-scale information systems. The company was formed in 2021.
It is yet to be revealed where this hub will be based although Sci-Tech Darsebury in Halton would possibly be one of the more obvious locations for such a facility.
Mr Rotheram said: “This is fantastic news for our region and a real testament to what we can achieve when local ambition is matched by national support to help attract international investment.
“I’m really glad that we’ve been able to attract Kyndryl to our area, having met with them on our trade mission to New York last year. This announcement shows how, together with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Government, we’re delivering real tangible change for working people across our communities.
“With 1000 new AI jobs coming to Liverpool city region over the next three years, we’re not just creating opportunities for today but laying the foundations for the jobs of the future.
“As a region with a proud history of innovation we are ready to seize the opportunities that AI and digital technology can bring – not just to boost our economy but to improve lives, develop skills, tackle inequality, and ensure no one is left behind. This is Liverpool city region leading the way in the UK’s AI revolution.”
Promising to “relight the fires of innovation” Mr Starmer said: “Last November I visited Runcorn to announce 2,000 jobs in the region – thanks to our £22bn investment in Carbon Capture (HyNet hydrogen hub).
“Today I can announce that yet more jobs are coming as Kyndryl has committed to an extra 1,000 Al-related jobs over the next three years. It means working people – from the Wirral to St Helens – will feel the change we promised.
“I promised that I would turbocharge this great region, and here is the proof. Working hand in hand with Mayor Steve Rotheram, today’s announcement shows how Labour in power is delivering for working people.”
Shortly after winning the General Election in July 2024, the Government tasked AI advisor Matt Clifford with creating a UK action plan for artificial intelligence. He came back with 50 recommendations.
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On Sunday the Prime Minister said AI can “transform the lives of working people” and has the potential to speed up planning consultations to get Britain building, drive down admin for teachers and feed AI through cameras to spot potholes and help improve roads.
He explained: “AI will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people.
“But the AI industry needs a Government that is on their side, one that won’t sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers. And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by. We must move fast and take action to win the global race.


“Our plan will make Britain the world leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change.
“That means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets, and transformed public services. That’s the change this government is delivering.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: “This action plan is the government’s modern industrial strategy in action.
“Attracting AI businesses to the UK, bringing in new investment, creating new jobs and turbocharging our Plan for Change. This means better living standards in every part of the United Kingdom and working people have more money in their pocket.”