Liverpool mayor 'can work with Reform' after St Helens win

Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram has signaled a willingness to collaborate with Reform UK after the party secured control of St Helens Council in recent local elections. The victory means George Woodward, Reform’s new leader, will join the Liverpool City Region’s combined authority cabinet. Rotheram acknowledged disappointment over Labour’s losses but emphasized that cooperation could benefit St Helens if Woodward prioritizes local needs over party politics. The mayor admitted knowing little about Woodward before the election, though he noted a video of Woodward questioning immigration policies. Rotheram drew parallels to his past work with Boris Johnson, stating that political differences should not hinder regional progress. He stressed that if Woodward focuses on delivering for St Helens, productive partnerships are possible. Analysts suggest potential tensions over Reform’s opposition to policies like net zero, active travel initiatives, and diversity programs, which have been central to Labour-led governance in the region. Rotheram attributed Reform’s success in St Helens to national political concerns overshadowing local achievements, a trend observed beyond Liverpool. Meanwhile, Rotheram denied reports that his close ally, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, had abandoned devolution by seeking a Westminster seat in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. Burnham, expected to challenge Keir Starmer for Labour’s leadership if victorious, framed his campaign as a chance to advocate for deeper regional devolution at a national level. Other candidates in the by-election include Rebecca Shepherd of Restore Britain and Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.