April 29, 2021

Veteran anti-corruption campaigner and former Independent MP for Tatton, Martin Bell, has endorsed Stephen Yip’s bid to become Independent Mayor of Liverpool.
Martin Bell’s backing comes against a backdrop of a damning report into the dysfunctional authority by a Government Inspection team led by Max Caller, and a series of ongoing criminal investigations into corruption, bribery and witness intimidation.
Endorsing Stephen Yip as the candidate best qualified to tackle the city’s political crisis, Martin Bell said:  
“I have no hesitation in endorsing Stephen Yip and his campaign to become Mayor of Liverpool. Stephen’s track-record, skills and reputation make him the ideal person to inspire confidence and trust in the light of what has been happening in the city. An Independent Mayor with integrity and a commitment to honest and transparent governance is what Liverpool now needs more than anything.”
Stephen Yip has promised a root and branch approach to reforming the City Council and ensuring the highest standards of transparency and scrutiny. His pledges include:

• To implement all the recommendations of the Max Caller Report
• A fully independent Standards Board with an independent Chair and members
• Support for Council whistle-blowers through a properly resourced and independent protection
• A forensic investigation of key departments and services not covered by Max Caller’s Investigation
• To bring in Transparency UK to help design and implement a robust system governing member’s interest, Freedom of Information and effective public scrutiny of all Council business.

In addition, Mr Yip is today signing an 8-point pledge to promote the highest standards of conduct in office, based on a similar pledge signed by Martin Bell following his election to Parliament.
“The pledge is based on an initiative spearheaded by Consensus UK to promote the very highest standards of personal behaviour by elected officials, and I will be asking all those standing for election in Liverpool to make the same commitment.
“It’s sad that some of our elected representatives are still in denial about the severity and the scope of the crisis in our local democracy.
“Let me assure them, that from my conversations with Liverpool people, voters feel shocked and betrayed by what has been revealed and they want radical and lasting change. That why I am standing and it’s what I am promising. We need to reset democracy and reset Liverpool otherwise we will never regain public trust and confidence.”