We write in response to the recent press coverage surrounding the governance of Merseytravel and in support of the eight Labour Members who have called on the Chairman of the Authority to resign.

When Cllr Joe Hanson was given the lead in reviewing the committee structure, governance of the ITA and the role of the Executive, he had the total support of ALL members of ALL political parties on the Integrated Transport Authority (ITA).

Throughout the whole time of the review, Cllr Hanson was inclusive and he met regularly with us to ensure that, even though we were minority groups, our views and input was sought and acted on.

We were delighted to be able to play our part in working with the Labour Group to bring about the massive changes in the organisation of the Authority.

We were also delighted to work with the Labour Group in uncovering the issues around governance that feature in Cllr Hanson's report, a report that was commissioned by the Chairman and the Authority.

Now it appears that because the Chairman does not like the contents of the internal audit he rubbishes it saying it was produced anonymously. A case of denial?

Although a lot has been achieved over the last 12 months, we believe that to achieve the change that is still necessary in the organisation and to ensure that good governance is achieved and value for money delivered to the people of Merseyside, that Cllr Dowd should listen to the eight members of his group and resign.

If he does not do so, then the atmosphere within his group on the Authority will be so bad that it will undoubtedly impact on the services that Merseytravel deliver to the public.
If Merseytravel is to be truly world class, then it needs a fresh start with someone new at the helm.

We will continue to support Cllr Hanson and the other seven Labour members who have called on Cllr Dowd to resign.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Les Rowlands, Conservative representative on Merseytravel and Cllr John Dodd Liberal Democrat representative on Merseytravel