Luciana Berger misses out in Liverpool mayoral bid

Luciana Berger has lost her bid to become Labour’s candidate for Liverpool’s mayor.

The former shadow cabinet minister, who left her role in Jeremy Corbyn’s top team as part of a wave of resignations, was defeated by Steve Rotheram for the chance to stand for the influential position. The current elected mayor is the Joe Anderson was the third candidate.

Rotheram, who has served as Corbyn’s parliamentary private secretary, said: “As metro mayor I will put social justice at the heart of my administration; something which I’ve been passionate about all my career.

“Devolutiuon presents us with a unique opportunity to make decisions locally, in the interests of local people, to ensure each person within our sic districts has the best chance in life.”

Berger – who served as the first ever shadow cabinet member for mental health until last month – previously said the role was a “massive opportunity to unite the region and launch it on to the international stage”.

The result means a clean sweep for male candidates in mayoral races across the country. That includes Andy Burnham, who overcame a challenge from Jewish Labour MP Ivan Lewis, to be Labour candidate for the mayor of Greater Manchester.

The MP for Bury South came third in the contest, behind interim mayor Tony Lloyd, and shadow home secretary Burnham.

Lewis said: “Andy will have the full support of me and my supporters in the campaign which lies ahead. GM needs Labour Mayor so we can fight inequality and create a beacon of social justice in an era of right-wing Tory government.”

Burnham said: “I thank our members for the faith they have shown in me”, adding that he will “repay it by devoting all my energy to uniting the Labour family here, working to win back the voters we have lost and building a policy programme with broad appeal.”

He also distanced himself from there national Labour leadership race between Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith. Speaking during a question-and-answer session with the media, Mr Burnham reiterated his belief that now is not the “right time for a leadership election” as he committed to remaining neutral during the fight between