Steve Rotheram - Labour candidate for Merseyside's Metro Mayor elections - will underline his opposition to grammar schools in a speech to the House of Commons this afternoon.

He will also demand the Government gives extra powers over the region’s schools to the new Mayor.

The call has infuriated Wirral Tory councillors who say they would totally oppose any extension of the regional mayor's influence - especially in the areas of schools and education.

Mr Rotheram is expected to say the North of England schools chief should be accountable to the new mayor "to raise standards for local pupils and build the high-skill, high wage and high aspiration economy of the future.”

The Walton MP will say greater local accountability in the education system would allow him to develop a "city-region education strategy" as mayor.

He will also criticise Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to reinstate grammar schools.

Mr Rotheram will say: “We need an education system that lifts the attainment of all, not just the most gifted and talented.

"That is why I am calling for the return of an element of local accountability.

“The minister should make the regional schools commissioner accountable to the metro mayor.

"I truly believe that if the Government is serious about devolution then they need to apply to education the same approach they are applying to industrial strategy.

“I believe in a comprehensive system of education - and am personally opposed to Tory education policies, particularly the forced academisation of schools and the reintroduction of the grammar school system.

"So the changes I am calling for would improve local accountability if the regional schools commissioner reported to the Metro Mayor.

“Sooner or later it must occur to someone in Westminster that the Tory plan of enforced academisation and centralisation in education flies in the face of the devolution agenda they are purportedly pursuing in the city regions."

Wirral Conservative group leader Cllr Jeff Green said: "I would be horrified if the new Metro Mayor - when he or she is elected next year - is given any additional powers above those they will already have - especially over education.

"Frankly schools are not - and never have been - part of the devolution deal and Labour's candidate would do better to focus on jobs, the regional economy and transport, which are all areas that need improving for the benefit of local people."

He added: "By setting out his stall against grammar schools Mr Rotheram has put himself at odds with hundreds of Wirral parents.

"We have a number of very successful grammar schools here which are greatly appreciated by parents, pupils and staff.

"He should remember that before making a power grab for things that have nothing whatsoever to do with him."

His colleague Cllr Ian Lews said: “Not once in Steve Rotheram’s arrogant bid to takeover our school does he mention parents.  

"With Mr Rotheram it’s politics first and parental choice a very poor second.

"I hope Wirral’s four Labour MPs will tell him to sling his hook.” 

Mr Rotheram is due to speak in a Westminster Hall debate “Education in Merseyside” organised by West Derby MP Stephen Twigg, due to take place today between 2.30pm and 4pm.

The "metro mayor" position was created by former chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne.

It was a fundamental condition imposed on council leaders from Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Halton in Cheshire before he would allow the region to join his "Northern Powerhouse" project.