Liverpool Mayoral Election Booklet

A booklet from Liverpool City Council that lists candidates and an election address for the Liverpool Mayoral Elections on Thursday 3rd May 2012. It is the first time in history that an elected Mayor will be appointed in Liverpool. An elected Mayor is different to a traditional, ceremonial Mayor or Council Leader. The Mayor is elected by the people, whereas traditional ceremonial Mayors and Council Leaders are elected by fellow Councillors. The booklet is a requirement by law and also includes information on how to fill in the ballot paper, how the result is calculated along with answers to some frequently asked questions.

The booklet caused controversy over the alleged censorship of Liberal candidate Steve Radford and Trade Union and Socialist Coalition Tony Mulhearn.

The Leader of Liverpool City Council, Joe Anderson, is standing as the Labour Party candidate. Cllr Richard Kemp, current deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats on the City Council, is standing for the party.Tony Caldeira is standing for the Conservative Party.

Former BBC journalist and broadcaster, Liam Fogarty, became the first declared candidate on January 16th. A long standing campaigner for an elected mayor for Liverpool, Fogarty is standing as an independent. Cllr John Coyne (for St Michaels ward) was announced as the Green Party candidate on 24th February by Caroline Lucas at the party's Spring conference at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool.

Also on the ballot paper are 3 far-right candidates; Peter Quiggins (Tierney) National Front (NF), Mike Whitby British National Party (BNP), Paul Rimmer English Democrats.

Celebrity hairdresser Herbert Howe also pledged his intention to stand as an independent candidate for the office but pulled out of the race on 30th March 2012 after fearing he would be caught up in personal smears.