TOP-level talks about devolving powers from Westminster to Merseyside will go ahead despite a claim they have been put in jeopardy.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said planned discussions with Government are now in doubt after his hopes for an elected “metro mayor” for Merseyside were dashed when councillors in Knowsley voted to block the move.

Knowsley wants devolved responsibilities to be handed to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority – a coalition formed last year of Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton councils.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Mayor Anderson said: “I’m bitterly disappointed that anybody has scuppered the opportunity to have discussions and debate – and ruled things out without knowing what’s on offer.

“It means the Government are not going to entertain any deal for Merseyside like Manchester have.

“It’s now questionable whether the talks will go ahead.”

But Wirral council leader Cllr Phil Davies, who is also chairman of the combined authority, said the talks are very much still on.

He told the Globe: “Cities minister Greg Clark has agreed to meet us and the talks will go ahead early in the new year.

“I think having an elected mayor is not the main issue here. What’s important is for us to sit around the table and discover exactly what the Government is offering.

“Once we know that, we can open discussions on how we go about delivering it.

“Personally, I would favour a cabinet system similar to the devolution package recently adopted by Sheffield City Council.

“In any case, a move towards an elected mayor for Merseyside would have to be first put to a referendum of all the county’s residents.

“It would be quite arrogant for us to just impose a mayor without asking the people what they think about the idea.”

Councillor Davies said the combined authority has a list of responsibilities it wants to discuss with the minister, including transport, strategic planning, housing, “fiscal devolution” and health.

He added: “With all the powers recently devolved to Scotland, it has become untenable for the Government to maintain a centralised system for the English regions.”