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Carl Cashman

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cllr
Carl Cashman
Cashman at Young Liberals Summer Conference in 2025
Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Liverpool City Council
Incumbent
Assumed office
9 May 2023
Preceded byRichard Kemp
Liverpool City Council Councillor for Church
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 May 2023
Preceded byWard established
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Councillor for Prescot North
In office
5 May 2016 – 25 March 2023
Preceded byWard established
Succeeded byMark Burke
Personal details
BornOctober 1991 (age 34–35)
Prescot, England
PartyLiberal Democrats
EducationUniversity of Liverpool
Websitecarlcashman.org

Carl Cashman is an English–French[1] politician who has served as the councillor for Church ward on the Liverpool City Council since 2023.[2] He also serves as the leader of the Liverpool Liberal Democrats, the second largest party group on the city council, making him leader of the opposition.[3][4]

A former councillor on Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Cashman previously ran for election as Mayor of the Liverpool City Region in 2017, and as MP for Knowsley in 2015 and 2017.[5][6] He is the lead for inclusive growth in the Local Government Association's Liberal Democrat Group.[7][8] Outside politics, Cashman works as a mortgage broker.[9]

Early life

[edit]

Cashman was born in Prescot, Merseyside.[10] Born to an English-French mother, Cashman holds French citizenship from his mother alongside his British citizenship.[1] He has described growing up in a council house in Liverpool with his grandparents, whom he credits with shaping his values.[11] He attended St Francis Xavier's College, Liverpool[12] and the University of Liverpool, where he received a joint honours degree in philosophy and politics,[13] and was taught by Stuart Wilks-Heeg.[14][15]

Career

[edit]

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

[edit]

Cashman was formerly the leader of the Knowsley Liberal Democrats.[16] He was first elected to Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council for Prescot North in May 2016, receiving 1,254 votes (50.5%).[17] He was re-elected in 2021 with 1,448 votes (60.8%).[18] He was also elected to Knowsley Town Council for Knowsley Park North in October 2016, standing down in 2018.[19][20]

UK Parliament candidacy

[edit]

He stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the parliamentary constituency of Knowsley at the 2015[21] and 2017[22] general elections, finishing fourth on both occasions with 1,490 votes (2.9%) in 2015 and 1,189 votes (2.1%) in 2017.

Liverpool City Region mayoralty

[edit]

Cashman ran against Steve Rotheram in the 2017 Liverpool City Region mayoral election.[23] He received 19,751 votes, 6.8% of the total, coming third.[24] His policies including setting up a representative office for Liverpool in Brussels, support for EU membership, protecting green spaces and removing tolls for Liverpool's tunnels.[25][26]

Liverpool City Council

[edit]

Cashman resigned his Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council seat in 2023 to contest Liverpool City Council's Church ward,[16] where he was elected with 1,165 votes (55.4%).[27] He is the current leader of the Liverpool Liberal Democrats,[28] a position he has held since May 2023.[29] He succeeded former leader Richard Kemp after an 11-year tenure as leader of the local party.[30] He was re-elected as leader in May 2025.[31]

In July 2025, Cashman said that his ambition was to lead Liverpool City Council,[32] and has argued that the Liverpool Liberal Democrats had built the membership, organisation and campaigning infrastructure needed to challenge Labour's dominance on the council,[33] which have been in power since 2010.[34] In August 2025, Cashman called for Liverpool to become a target for the Liberal Democrats, arguing that the national party should seek to build on its local strength in the city.[35]

He has described his priorities for Liverpool as increasing council housebuilding, addressing homelessness and temporary accommodation, improving street cleanliness and giving residents a greater voice in their communities.[36] He has advocated policies aimed at tackling deprivation through increased investment in housing and local communities, arguing that Liverpool City Council should play a greater role in improving living conditions and expanding opportunities for residents.[37] In October 2025, under Cashman's leadership, the Liverpool Liberal Democrats proposed a "city of villages" vision for Liverpool, including new council housing and neighbourhoods designed around local community facilities.[38] In August 2026, with the national party's deputy leader Daisy Cooper, he launched the local party's Liverpool First policy paper, outlining proposals to support local businesses, attract investment, develop cultural and maritime districts, and strengthen the city's economy.[39][40]

Cashman has described himself as a liberal and progressive, arguing that Liberalism should be viewed as distinct from the traditional left–right political spectrum. He has also expressed support for mutual and cooperative ownership and said he would not rule out standing for Parliament again – although he emphasised his commitment to local government in Liverpool.[41]

Local Government Association

[edit]

Cashman has held several positions representing the Local Government Association (LGA)'s Liberal Democrat Group, including membership of the LGA's Children and Young People Board in 2017–19,[42] its Culture, Tourism and Sport Board in 2019–21,[43] as a substitute on its City Regions Board from 2021–23,[44] and on its Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board from 2024–25.[45] In June 2025, the LGA Liberal Democrat Group elected him lead of the City Regions Board.[46] The LGA subsequently discontinued the City Regions Board and distributed its successful candidates between the new Inclusive Growth Committee and Public Service Reform and Innovation Committee; Cashman became the LGA Liberal Democrat Group's lead for Inclusive Growth and is currently vice chair of the LGA's Inclusive Growth Committee.[47][48][49]

Media attention

[edit]

Cashman received media attention for his appearance and has been dubbed "Britain's sexiest politician".[50] He was the subject of an American right-wing Twitter discussion garnering millions of views, wrongly labelling him 'Conservative Chad'.[51] Cashman responded in an interview with The Tab, saying:

If it strengthens the liberal cause, and puts the lens on my city – and its incredibly good looking population – then I'll take that. As for calling me a normie Conservative Chad, I couldn’t be further from that. I'm what he would call a lefty liberal, his worst nightmare!

In 2025, he was interviewed on his personal life and politics by drag queen Tiara Skye in Soho.[1] In July 2026, Cashman appeared on the cover of LGBTQ magazine Attitude[52] – telling the magazine that the Liberal Democrats were "fiercely pro-trans rights" – whilst reaffirming his support for the LGBTQ+ community in a discussion about his work promoting "positive masculinity".[53]

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 3 Robledo, Jordan (2025-03-20). "Drag superstar Tiara Skye talks politics with the 'UK's sexiest politician' Carl Cashman". Gay Times. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  2. ↑ "Carl Cashman". Bright Blue. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  3. ↑ "Councillor details - Councillor Carl Cashman". councillors.liverpool.gov.uk. 2025-10-16. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  4. ↑ "Tougher action on Illegal E-Bikes, say Lib Dem Leader". www.liverlibdems.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  5. ↑ "Election result for Knowsley (Constituency) - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament". members.parliament.uk. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  6. ↑ "Election result for Knowsley (Constituency) - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament". members.parliament.uk. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  7. ↑ "LGA Liberal Democrat Group Leadership Team". LGA. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  8. ↑ "Liberal Democrat 2025/27 Executive Directory". Local Government Association. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  9. ↑ "NewRegister". register.fca.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  10. ↑ Wilkinson, Sophie (10 July 2026). "Lib Dem leader Carl Cashman interview: 'About 90 per cent of my Instagram followers are gay men'". Attitude. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  11. ↑ Hulbert, Mathew (11 October 2025). "Mathew meets…..Carl Cashman Part 1: the early years". Liberal Democrat Voice. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  12. ↑ "Get to know Liverpool Lib Dem leader @carlcashman91". Attitude Magazine. 15 July 2026. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  13. ↑ "Philosophy and Politics BA (Hons) | Courses | University of Liverpool". www.liverpool.ac.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  14. ↑ "Professor Stuart Wilks-Heeg | Our people | University of Liverpool". www.liverpool.ac.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  15. ↑ "Stuart Wilks-Heeg". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  16. 1 2 "Prescot councillor and Lib Dem Knowsley leader to leave borough". St Helens Star. 2022-09-28. Retrieved 2026-08-10.
  17. ↑ "Local Elections Archive Project - 2016 - Knowsley". www.andrewteale.me.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  18. ↑ "Local Elections Archive Project — Prescot North Ward". www.andrewteale.me.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  19. ↑ "Election of Councillor for the Knowsley Park North Ward of Knowsley Town Council: Declaration of Result of Poll" (PDF). Knowsley Council. 13 October 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  20. ↑ Brown, Faye (20 July 2018). "Politician dubbed 'one of Britain's hottest' loses council post while partying in Spain". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "Liberal Democrat candidates support Tim Farron as the party's next leader". The Guardian. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  22. ↑ Belger, Tom (31 May 2017). "General election 2017 in Knowsley - who should I vote for?". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  23. ↑ Cashman, Carl (8 February 2017). "Liverpool City Region Mayoral election: A chance to continue the Fightback". Liberal Democrat Voice. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  24. ↑ "Pugh welcomes Lib Dem nomination for Metro Mayor". Archived from the original on 2016-11-14. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  25. ↑ "Liverpool City Region mayoral election: Candidates spell out key policies". BBC News. 2017-04-05. Retrieved 2026-08-10.
  26. ↑ Cashman, Carl (28 March 2017). "2017 Manifesto for Mayor of the Liverpool City Region" (PDF). Liberal Democrats. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  27. ↑ "Local Elections Archive Project - 2023 - Liverpool". www.andrewteale.me.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  28. ↑ Thorp, Liam (2023-05-10). "31-year-old becomes new Liverpool Lib Dem opposition leader". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  29. ↑ Thorp, Liam (10 May 2023). "31-year-old becomes new Liverpool Lib Dem opposition leader". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  30. ↑ Thorp, Liam (9 May 2023). "Veteran Liverpool Liberal Democrat leader Richard Kemp to stand down as group chief". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  31. ↑ "Carl Cashman can 'Lead Lib Dems to council control' says former Liverpool Council Leader". Liverpool Liberal Democrats. 12 May 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  32. ↑ Humphreys, David (26 July 2025). "Lib Dem chief says he expects to run Liverpool Council in 2027". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  33. ↑ Whistance, Abi (23 May 2024). "Topless pics and a baptism of fire: An hour with Liverpool Lib Dem leader Carl Cashman". The Liverpool Post. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  34. ↑ "Labour win Liverpool City Council". Election 2010. BBC News. 7 May 2010. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  35. ↑ Brown, Faye (30 August 2025). "Lib Dems eye Labour-held cities as they target 'seats not votes'". Sky News. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  36. ↑ Hulbert, Mathew (15 October 2025). "Mathew meets: Carl Cashman Part 3 – A Lib Dem vision for Liverpool". Liberal Democrat Voice. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  37. ↑ "In Conversation with… Cllr Carl Cashman". YouTube. Downtown in Business. 28 May 2026. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  38. ↑ Thorp, Liam (22 October 2025). "We want to turn Liverpool into a 'city of villages'". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  39. ↑ "Lib Dems launch plan to back Liverpool business as Daisy Cooper MP hears hospitality's "cries for help"". Liverpool Liberal Democrats. 5 August 2026. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  40. ↑ Humphreys, David (9 August 2026). "Liverpool restaurant boss 'delighted' by legal challenge to the council". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  41. ↑ Hulbert, Mathew (12 October 2025). "Mathew meets…Carl Cashman Part 2: My Lib Dem life". Liberal Democrat Voice. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  42. ↑ "LGA Liberal Democrat Group Elections 2017" (PDF). Local Government Association. 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  43. ↑ "LGA Liberal Democrat Group 2021–2023". Local Government Association. 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  44. ↑ "Annual Report 2022: Liberal Democrat Group" (PDF). Local Government Association. 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  45. ↑ "Committee details – Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board". Local Government Association. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  46. ↑ "LGA Liberal Democrat Group Election Results 2025". Local Government Association. 20 June 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  47. ↑ "LGA Liberal Democrat Group Elections 2025" (PDF). Local Government Association. 20 June 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  48. ↑ "Liberal Democrat 2025/27 Executive Directory". Local Government Association. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  49. ↑ "HCLG committee report on conditions of temporary accommodation – LGA response". Local Government Association. 21 April 2026. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  50. ↑ PoliticsJOE (2023-08-16). Is this Britain's sexiest politician? | Pubcast with Lib Dem Councillor Carl Cashman. Retrieved 2025-10-16 – via YouTube.
  51. ↑ Brocklehurst, Harrison (2025-09-26). "I'm Carl Cashman: The sexy Scouse politician the U.S. far right are calling a 'Conservative Chad'". The Tab. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  52. ↑ Humphreys, David (2026-07-02). "Liverpool Lib Dem leader becomes LGBTQ magazine cover star". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  53. ↑ Sugg, Aaron (2026). "Carl Cashman vows Lib Dems are 'fiercely pro-trans rights'". Attitude. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
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