March 19, 2021

Stephen Yip says, only root and branch change can save Liverpool City Council from “existential threat”.

Independent Mayoral candidate, Stephen Yip is promising to take a root and branch approach to rebuild trust in Liverpool City Council. His pledge is made against a backdrop of multiple criminal investigations and whilst a Government inspection team headed by Max Caller is scrutinising the operation of several Council departments.

Stephen Yip said: “This is a truly shocking and shameful situation and if elected I pledge to do whatever is necessary to rebuild trust in our politics and our Council. People feel let down, and quite frankly don’t trust politicians who have been part of the process to do what’s necessary to get the city back on track.”

Stephen Yip has been working with Howard Winik the former Independent Chair of The Council’s Standards Committee, which was abolished in 2012, to design a robust and fully independent system to investigate and enforce complaints against Councillors. In addition, he is proposing proper support and protection for whistle-blowers who suspect unethical or illegal conduct within the authority.

He explained: “There are thousands of dedicated and hard-working public servants within The Council. For their sake and the people of Liverpool, it’s vital we root out every instance of corrupt or improper practice throughout the authority.”

Referring to the Government inspection team, Stephen Yip, believes there may need to be further forensic scrutiny of Council departments, even after Max Caller’s team have issued their report.

“We are facing an existential crisis in Liverpool, and it’s extraordinary that some of our politicians simply haven’t faced up to what is at stake. If we don’t demonstrate a willingness and a capacity to get our own house in order, then it’s highly likely that Government will step in and do it for us. Our very democracy is on the line.”

“For that reason, I am willing to appoint forensic accountants, a suitably qualified QC and whatever expertise is required, as part of an independent investigative Commission to carry out root and branch scrutiny of areas like procurement, contracts, licensing and members’ interests that fall outside the brief of Max Caller’s team.

“The Council will not regain the trust and confidence of the public until we have demonstrated that every part of this Council is clean, competent and transparent.”