27 March 2012 Last updated at 08:21 ET

Liverpool mayor election: Nominations open for candidates

Liverpool will hold elections for a directly elected mayor in May

Nominations have opened for candidates hoping to become Liverpool's first elected mayor.

Councillors voted earlier this year to bypass a referendum on the issue and hold elections for the post on 3 May.

The council said by moving to the mayoral model the city would improve its chances of receiving £130m in government funds.

Those wanting to stand for the position can submit nomination papers until 4 April.

Liverpool's current council leader Joe Anderson has been selected to stand as Labour candidate.

The Liberal Democrats have selected their deputy leader Richard Kemp as their candidate, Tony Caldeira will stand for The Conservatives and John Coyne is to represent the Green Party.

Independents Liam Fogarty and local hair stylist Herbert Howe have also announced their intention to stand.

Paul Rimmer is expected to be nominated as the candidate for the English Democrats.