Joanne Anderson has just taken on what many might call one of the toughest jobs in local government - leading the Labour council at the centre of corruption allegations.

Liverpool-born and bred, the 50 year-old single mum only became a Labour councillor in 2019. But she was encouraged to stand as mayor when her predecessor, Joe Anderson (no relation) stood down after being arrested over claims relating to bribery, which he strongly denies.

Growing up on a council estate east of the city centre, community activism is in Joanne Anderson's blood. She was barely out of nappies when her mum took her along to protest against poor housing conditions. She's spent most of her career helping companies, charities and councils improve diversity and promote equal opportunities.

Now she’s got the top job at Liverpool city council and is promising a fresh start. So who is Joanne Anderson? And how did a woman who until recently, was outside the city’s political inner circle, come to be its Mayor? Talking to close friends, family and colleagues, Adrian Goldberg charts Joanne Anderson’s rise from council flat to council leader.

Presenter: Adrian Goldberg
Intake producer: Matt Toulson
Producer: Sally Abrahams
Editor: Alex Lewis