VOTERS go to the polls today to elect Liverpool City Region's first mayor.

The mayor will govern an area comprising the authorities of Wirral, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St. Helens and Sefton.

The result of today's election will be announced tomorrow afternoon.

The powerful - and controversial - position of mayor for the Liverpool City Region was laid down in November 2015 as a condition for joining the then chancellor George Osborne's "Northern Powerhouse".

The metro mayor will be in charge of decisions on a raft of major issues including strategic housing and planning, transport and highways, business growth, energy and environment, finance and European funding.

The mayoral candidates are:

  • Roger Bannister - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 
  • Paul Breen - Get The Coppers Off The Jury
  • Tony Caldeira – Conservative 
  • Carl Cashman - Liberal Democrats
  • Tom Crone - Green Party 
  • Tabitha Morton - Women's Equality Party
  • Steve Rotheram – Labour 
  • Paula Walters - UK Independence Party

Why do we need a Liverpool City Region mayor?

Electing a Liverpool City Region Mayor was part of the devolution agreement signed by the Government and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in November 2015.

As well as agreeing to a directly elected mayor, the devolution agreement secured more than £900m of funding for the City Region over the next 30 years, as well as devolving decision making around key priorities to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The Liverpool City Region Mayor will have the responsibility for priority areas across the Liverpool City Region including transport, employment and skills, business support and other areas.

The mayor will also chair the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which takes control of the £900m of funding over the next 30 years.

When will we know who the city region mayor is?

During the afternoon on Friday, May 5.

How many people will work in the mayor's office and how much will they be paid?

It is anticipated that the Liverpool City Region Mayor will review his/her staffing requirements after taking office following the election in May 2017.

How much will the City Region Mayor be paid?

An independent remuneration panel will consider the allowance to be paid to the mayor and make an appropriate recommendation to the combined authority.

How much is costing to run the election?

It is being paid for through the additional funding devolved to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority from the Government.

The budget for this election was based on the most recent Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner election and the 2016 European Union Referendum.

The actual costs will only be known once the election has concluded.

How and when can I vote?

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, on Thursday, May 4.

For this election, you can vote for up to two candidates (this is called supplementary voting), where you can vote for your first and second choice candidate if you wish.

Votes are cast in the normal way, but you can express up to two preferences by marking X next to the candidate(s) you wish to vote for.

Do not place both Xs in the same column as your votes will not be counted.

You can vote for just one candidate if you wish, by placing your X in the 'first choice' column.

Why should I vote? What difference will it make to me?

This is your opportunity to influence who will make decisions that affect your local area.

Through the devolution agreement, we hope to create more jobs, improve the skills and employment prospects of our residents and allow them a greater say over the future of their communities.

It provides for the transfer of significant powers for economic development, transport, strategic housing and planning and employment and skills which will impact on the lives of all of residents and businesses.

Further information about the voting process and the count can be found at www.liverpoolcityregionelects.org