Lord Mayor of Liverpool Biography

Cllr Mary Rasmussen

Councillor Mary Rasmussen 2023 – 2024

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool is known as the first citizen and is the chosen representative of the city, acting as a focal point for the community as well as promoting the city and forging national and international links. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool is always a serving councillor, elected by the full city council at its Annual General Meeting held each May, and stands for one year in office. The Lord Mayor’s duties include:

  • Representing the city at civic functions/engagements
  • Promoting the city nationally and internationally
  • Supporting local charities and community groups
  • Attending religious events of all denominations
  • Meeting delegates from twinned cities
  • Chairing council meetings
  • Conferring Honorary Freemen and Freedom of Associations and Institutions.

Councillor Mary Rasmussen was raised in Chapel Road, Garston, the third child of ten to Thomas and Theresa Gibbons. Thomas and Theresa came to Liverpool from County Mayo, Ireland, and made the city their home after trying Glasgow and London.  They always told their children it was the best decision they ever made. Mary echoes their sentiments.

Mary was educated at St Francis of Assisi primary school and then at Blessed John Almond for her secondary education. Later in life Mary did an Access course to go to university but an opportunity to work with people who were long-term unemployed meant that higher education was put on the back burner.

Mary was first elected to represent Speke/Garston ward in 2007 and has held numerous positions on the council. She has also been the chair of the Labour Group and was also the first woman in Liverpool to hold the position of chief whip.

Mary believes that Liverpool is the best because its people are, quite simply, the best.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND. Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Mary Rasmussen, with her son and consort, Michael Rasmussen, and her daughter and Lady Mayoress of Liverpool, Janine Rasmussen at Liverpool Town Hall on 8 June 2021. Picture: Jennifer Bruce/Liverpool City Council.

Mary’s son Michael will be her Consort and her daughter Janine will be Lady Mayoress for her term of office.  Michael and Janine were both educated in Speke at Stocktonwood County Primary School and then at Speke Community Comprehensive.

Michael then attended Liverpool John Moores University where he gained his degree in maths and then Hope University for his PGCE to teach maths in the city.

Janine has been devoted to raising her family whilst being totally committed to supporting the local community. Janine was a founder member of the group The Original Swap Shop in Speke that aims to support families in need and in times of crisis.

Councillor Rasmussen stated “It is such an honour to be asked to serve as the Lord Mayor in my home city of Liverpool.  It is, without doubt, the highest accolade which can be given and my family are both delighted and proud.

I have received so many messages of support from across the country and beyond and I hope that I can make everybody proud as I promote the greatest city and it’s wonderful people.”

It is surely the greatest honour to be asked to serve the people of Liverpool as their Lord Mayor and Mary is humbled to be asked. Her mother and father would be so proud and her daughter Lian, who sadly passed away in 2019, would have been shouting the news from the rooftops. With every fibre of her being, Mary will do her best to promote the greatest city in the world both nationally and internationally.

Councillor Rasmussen will be sponsoring one main charity during her year as Lord Mayor which will be Local Solutions. Said Mary: I am hoping to raise a lot of money for Local Solutions this year to shine a spotlight on the excellent work they do.”

If you think you can help raise money for The Lord Mayor’s Charities please contact Liverpool Town Hall on 0151 351 2200 or email [email protected] or by visiting www.giveasyoulive.com/join/lord-mayor-of-liverpool to donate.