Maher resigns as Sefton leader 

Cllr Ian Maher has decided to step down after eight years, sparking a leadership election in the borough. 

In a letter to Sefton’s Labour party, Maher said he intends to remain a councillor, serving from the backbenches.  

The former leader represents Netherton and Orrell Ward and was reelected for a four-year term in 2022, easing to victory by securing 73% of the vote. 

A Sefton Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Cllr Maher has decided to step down from his role as Labour group and council leader. 

“Cllr Maher has asked the Labour Group Executive to start the process of electing his successor as soon as possible. 

“This process does not affect the day-to-day operations of the council and once it has been completed, appropriate arrangements will be made to appoint the new leader of Sefton Council in line with the council’s constitutional requirements.” 

Maher’s tenure as leader of Sefton Council began in 2015 when he took over from Peter Dowd. Dowd resigned to become the MP for Bootle, a position he still holds. 

Two years later, the council acquired the 400,000 sq ft Bootle Strand for £32.5m. Since then, plans for its regeneration have stuttered however, last year, the council set out its strategy for a £20m overhaul that could complete by 2030.