Councillor William Shortall will become the first wheelchair user in the city’s history to take up the role of Lord Mayor of Liverpool, and he wants to use his year in office to shine a spotlight on inclusion and accessibility.
Councillor Shortall was born and educated in the city and earned his law degree through part-time study with The Open University and the Chester College of Law.
He achieved this while balancing his community volunteering with life as a wheelchair user with Muscular Dystrophy, which is a progressive muscle-wasting condition.
He has worked in various roles, ranging from a public house to an electronic servicing business and has been a councillor since 2019, representing Old Swan and then Old Swan West since 2023.
Championing Accessibility and Inclusion
As Chair of Liverpool City Council’s Corporate Access Forum, Councillor Shortall leads the city’s work to champion accessibility, strengthen inclusive policy, and ensure the voices of disabled residents shape decision-making.
During his term, his wife Marie will serve as Lady Mayoress, and his two adult daughters, Melissa and Laura, will share the role of consort.
The chosen charity for the year will be the Greenbank Project.
The direct beneficiaries of this support will be Greenbank College education, training, and employment services, as well as Greenbank Sports Academy, which delivers sport and recreational opportunities.
Members of the public who wish to help raise money for The Lord Mayor’s Charity can contact Liverpool Town Hall on 0151 351 2200 or email lord.mayor@liverpool.gov.uk.
A Historic Appointment
The appointment marks a significant moment in the history of the city.
Councillor William 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.
“My family, friends and colleagues are thrilled that I have been entrusted with the role of first citizen of this remarkable city.
“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.”
The ceremony will formalise his position as the first citizen of the city, where he will continue his long-standing commitment to community service and advocacy for disabled residents across the region.
