First wheelchair user to be sworn in as city's lord mayor

Liverpool's first lord mayor to use a wheelchair says he wants to "shine a spotlight on inclusion and accessibility" during his year in office.

Speaking ahead of his swearing-in ceremony later, William Shortall said it was an "extraordinary honour".

Born and raised in Liverpool, he has been a Labour councillor since 2019, representing first Old Swan and then Old Swan West.

Shortall has muscular dystrophy - a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness.

His chosen charity is the Greenbank Project, which supports providing relevant opportunities for disabled people and other disadvantaged groups.

Law graduate Shortall has had various jobs, from working in a pub and for an electronics servicing business to volunteering in the local community.

As chairman 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.

Shortall's wife, Marie, will be Lady Mayoress, while his two daughters will share the role of consort.

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."

He said his family and friends were "thrilled that I have been entrusted with the role of first citizen of this remarkable city".

He added: "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," he added.

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