In this feature, La Vida Liverpool talks to Lord Mayor Of Liverpool Barbara Murray about her role and what she hopes to achieve during her tenure. Much more than just attending events, her role is an important one — with lots of charity initiatives and work for great causes. Here’s our exclusive Q&A….
LA VIDA: Firstly, congratulations on your role. How does it feel to be Lord Mayor Of Liverpool?
LORD MAYOR: It’s a great privilege and it feels wonderful compared to the working life of a councillor.
LA VIDA: Please tell us more about yourself and your career leading up to this point?
LORD MAYOR: I have had a varied career in the civil service, retail, education and housing which has been useful in political roles and appointments.
LA VIDA: How and why did you become Lord Mayor Of Liverpool?
LORD MAYOR: It is an appointment by the leader of council and was supported by cabinet, Labour group and full council. I believe some of the criteria are length of service, positions held and record as a ward councillor.
LA VIDA: Please tell us more about the role and what it entails.
LORD MAYOR: The Lord Mayor of Liverpool is known as the first citizen and is the chosen representative of the city, acting as a focal point for the community as well as promoting Liverpool and forging national and international links. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool is always a serving councillor, elected by the full city council at its Annual General Meeting which is held each May, and stands for one year in office. The Lord Mayor’s duties include:
• Representing the city at civic functions/engagements
• Promoting the city nationally and internationally
• Supporting local charities and community groups
• Attending religious events of all denominations
• Meeting delegates from twinned cities
• Chairing meetings of the Full Council
• Conferring Honorary Freemen and Freedom of Associations and Institutions
LA VIDA: What are your aims and goals during your term?
LORD MAYOR: To promote Liverpool as a creative city and to regenerate youth provision for our young people.
LA VIDA: What charity initiatives are you championing?
LORD MAYOR: Liverpool Education Grants Charitable Trust; Liverpool Literacy Cycle; Youth Works Apprenticeships; Liverpool Poetry Space
LA VIDA: What do you love the most about Liverpool?
LORD MAYOR: The river, the buildings and of course our wonderful people so warm and welcoming.
LA VIDA: What do you think are the biggest challenges Liverpool faces?
LORD MAYOR: Reducing the number of people and children in particular living in poverty. Getting more people into better paid jobs. Having a well qualified work force.
LA VIDA: Tell us more about Liverpool Literacy Cycle and your role with that.
LORD MAYOR: The Liverpool Literacy Cycle started in January 2020 with a Year of Reading and since then has evolved into an annual reoccurring focus on one of the main literacy skills: reading, writing and spoken word. The Liverpool Literacy Cycle aims to upskill everyone, in schools and in our many varied communities because literacy skills are important human tools that can be rewarding at a personal creative level or crucial as the means to economic recovery.
Behind the cycle is a well-established network, connecting and creating collaboration between organisations, projects and free-lance creatives working to improve literacy skills in the city. The network is supported by a partner group of volunteers who meet monthly to co-ordinate, plan and promote literacy events.
All partners agree that more can be achieved together to improve the outcomes needed to upskill our workforce for better paid jobs. Throughout this time, the partner group has been committed to shared values, always striving to be inclusive by engaging with all our communities, especially as over 120 languages are now spoken in Liverpool.
The Liverpool Literacy Cycle is committed to developing local creative industries with paid opportunities for performers and writers, plus a longer-term aim to grow and sustain industries such as printing and publishing in the North West. There is great talent in the city and the region, and we need creatives working together and alongside each other to help literacy thrive for everyone.
LA VIDA: What is your message to the people of Liverpool?
LORD MAYOR: Join my campaign #ChainReaction – are you a link in the chain?
