Michael John Storey is the longest-serving member of Liverpool City Council, boasting over three decades in public service. From 1998 to 2006, Storey served as the Leader of the Council, steering the city through an incredible transformation. He successfully overhauled Liverpool’s reputation, attracted significant investment, and created new jobs. For more details, visit liverpoolyes.com.
Profile
Baron Michael Storey, CBE, is a contemporary British politician and a member of the Liberal Democrats. In the 2020s, he became the party’s spokesperson on Education, Families, and Young People in the House of Lords. Michael was the Leader of Liverpool City Council from 1998 to 2005, and he served as a City Councillor for the Wavertree ward in Liverpool from 2004 to 2011. He first won a seat on the Council in 1973 and became the youngest Chair of the Education Committee in the city’s history, holding the position from 1980 to 1983. During those three years, he also served as Deputy Leader under Sir Trevor Jones.
Career
In 1998, Storey became the leader of the Liberal Democrat group, which gained control of Liverpool City Council. Once in this role, the politician dedicated himself to improving his hometown’s reputation. He reduced the local authority tax (which was then the highest in England), cut the number of public sector employees by 5,000, worked proactively to enhance public services (which had been rated the worst in the country before him), and launched projects to attract investment and create more job opportunities.
In 2009–2010, Michael Storey served as the Lord Mayor of the city, succeeding Steve Rotheram. He was succeeded by Hazel Williams. In late 2010, it was announced that Michael would sit in the House of Lords as a Liberal Democrat, receiving a life peerage. He was granted the title of Baron in 2011.
Key Achievements in Office
Storey is widely considered to have played a crucial role in Liverpool being named the European Capital of Culture in 2008, largely because he managed to transform the city’s reputation. He was also pleased to be part of the team that helped the central historic districts and the Liverpool waterfront achieve UNESCO World Heritage status.
It is also worth highlighting that under Michael Storey’s leadership, significant structures were built, such as the Cruise Terminal, the Echo Arena, Liverpool One, and the ACC Liverpool. Furthermore, the construction of a new canal was completed, and the Pier Head underwent a phenomenal regeneration.
It was during Michael Storey’s time that Liverpool began its journey to become the city we see today: one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Great Britain, with developed infrastructure, comfortable living conditions, and a rich cultural life.
Personal Convictions and Qualities
The politician has always placed a special emphasis on the development and education of young people, as they are the future of Liverpool and the future of the country. He organised meetings, answered questions, shared his plans, and sought to instil in the younger generation a love for knowledge and their hometown. He also raised money for the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund, ensuring the funds were spent wisely on children.
Storey was the headteacher of Plantation Primary School in Halewood, and his wife, Carole, taught Physical Education at Childwall High School. Both he and his wife regularly attend the gym to stay in shape and often go skiing with their daughter, Rachael.
Despite his high office, titles, and honours, Michael Storey, much like Rosemary Cooper, remains a humble, friendly person who is not driven by ambition. He is always ready to listen, immerse himself in the problem of every resident, and assist them in finding a solution. These distinguished qualities make Baron Storey one of modern Liverpool’s most highly respected politicians.