The new Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp CBE, marked his first day of office by delivering a guest lecture at Liverpool Hope University.
Cllr Kemp, who was sworn in as the city’s First Citizen at Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday 15 May, visited the University the following day to take part in the Professionals in Politics and International Relations series.
Organised by the MA in Politics and International Relations team in conjunction with Student Futures and the History, Politics and International Relations Society, the series aims to inspire the next generation of practitioners by providing access to the knowledge and expertise which will help them forge a career in the industry.
Cllr Kemp has served Liverpool City Council for four decades, having first been elected in 1975.
Currently representing the Penny Lane ward, he was Deputy Mayor in 2023/24 and was the leader of the Liberal Democrats and opposition on the city council for 11 years.
He has fulfilled many roles during his years of service, including chairing committees and sub-committees, being a Cabinet Member and being a member of the Police Authority and the Fire Authority.
This work was recognised in 2011 when he was awarded a CBE for public service to local government, regeneration and housing.
Reflecting on his visit to Liverpool Hope, Cllr Kemp said: “The future of the world lies with young people who are going to replace me and they have ideas and knowledge that I don’t, so it is very important that old people like me who still have power are prepared to listen to young people.
“They [the students] asked the questions that I think need asking of people like me and perhaps that helps them as they develop their own trajectory through life and the work they want to do.
“I hope I have helped them a little bit on that journey.”
Dr Catalina Montoya Londono, Associate Professor in International Relations, added: “The Professionals in Politics series allows students to hear from a diverse range of people and professions who have had different career journeys.
“Cllr Kemp’s talk was a great opportunity for students to think about their own professional journey from someone working in our field.
“It provided some realism about the labour market and will inspire and inform their own career choices and pathways.”