Liverpool’s new Lord Mayor will be sworn in today (Wednesday 13 May).
Cllr William Shortall will become the first wheelchair user in the city’s history to take up the role, and wants to use his year in office to shine a spotlight on inclusion and accessibility.
Councillor Shortall was born and educated in the city and earned his law degree through part‐time study with The Open University and the Chester College of Law, balancing his community volunteering with life as a wheelchair user with Muscular Dystrophy (a progressive muscle wasting condition).
He has worked in various roles from a public house, an electronic servicing business and volunteering in the community.
He has been a councillor since 2019, representing Old Swan and then Old Swan West since 2023.
As Chair of Liverpool City Council’s Corporate Access Forum, he leads the city’s work to champion accessibility, strengthen inclusive policy, and ensure disabled residents’ voices shape decision‐making.
William’s wife Marie will be Lady Mayoress, and his two adult daughters Melissa and Laura will share the role of consort.
Councillor Shortall’s charity will be the Greenbank Project and the direct beneficiaries will be Greenbank College education, training and employment services, and Greenbank Sports Academy which delivers sport and recreational opportunities.
If you think you can help raise money for The Lord Mayor’s Charity, please contact Liverpool Town Hall on 0151 351 2200 or email lord.mayor@liverpool.gov.uk.
Cllr William Shortall said: “It is an extraordinary honour to be invited to serve as Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
“As the first wheelchair user to hold this office in our city’s 816‐year history, I am deeply proud to represent a
community that values inclusion, resilience and opportunity for all.
“My family, friends and colleagues are thrilled that I have been entrusted with the role of first citizen of this remarkable city. “They expect me to embody Liverpool’s highest values and to extend our traditional warm welcome to everyone who calls this place home, the world in one city or comes to share in its spirit.”
