Lisa Rand, Manchester Evening News Journalist Profile

Articles

Is Mike Cunningham heading home?

Feb 7, 2024 | livpost.co.uk | Lisa Rand

Dear readers — It’s been nearly three years since commissioner Mike Cunningham became one of the key figures in Liverpool’s governance. And yet the question hanging over him now is this: when is he leaving? It was the middle of 2021 when Cunningham (a former police officer) was appointed on a clean-up mission.
Is Mike Cunningham heading home?

Feb 7, 2024 | open.substack.com | Lisa Rand

Dear readers — It’s been nearly three years since commissioner Mike Cunningham became one of the key figures in Liverpool’s governance. And yet the question hanging over him now is this: when is he leaving? It was the middle of 2021 when Cunningham (a former police officer) was appointed on a clean-up mission.
In 2020, a fundraiser aimed to save a historic Woolton cinema. So why is it no closer to reopening?

Jan 17, 2024 | livpost.co.uk | Abi Whistance |Lisa Rand

Dear readers — for years the residents of Woolton have been fighting for their beloved cinema, Woolton Picture House, a historic institution and a jewel in the village’s crown. In fact, the place is held so dear that when its owners announced its closure in 2020, a fundraiser was launched almost immediately to save it. Residents quickly dug into their pockets and raised £24k via GoFundMe, with the money soon transferred onto the cinema. Yet three years after the fact, its doors remain firmly shut.
Exclusive: Inside the race to lead Sefton

Jan 10, 2024 | livpost.co.uk | Lisa Rand |Abi Whistance

Dear readers — today’s story is about politics, and not Liverpool politics. Last week, Ian Maher announced he would be stepping down as the leader of Sefton Council after eight years. A leadership race sparked into life immediately, and very soon the close-knit (some might say too close-knit) world of Sefton politics started murmuring about a frontrunner: Trish Hardy, the council’s cabinet member for communities and housing, not to mention Maher’s own daughter.
Campaigners and bereaved families wanted a Hillsborough Law. Six years later, the government says this isn’t necessary

Dec 18, 2023 | livpost.co.uk | Lisa Rand

Dear readers — normally, our Tuesday feature goes behind a paywall. But we believe this piece is so crucial that we want the largest possible number of people to read it. Six years ago, the former Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, published a report about the failings that took place following the Hillsborough disaster. The crush at the stadium sparked the longest inquest in this country's legal history.
The Christmas market is here — and it’s expensive. But is anyone to blame?

Nov 29, 2023 | livpost.co.uk | Abi Whistance |Lisa Rand

Dear readers — have you caught the festive bug yet? Does the cheery sparkle of tinsel and twinkling fairy lights bring you a sense of joy? If you’ve passed through Lime Street station recently, you’ll likely have seen the Christmas market in all its glory just outside of St. George’s Hall. Alpine chalets, festive fair rides and… HOW much for a snow-topped donut?
Rats! Everywhere! ‘Will anything ever be done about them?’

Nov 24, 2023 | livpost.co.uk | Lisa Rand

By Lisa RandThey’re famous. Celebrities, really. Facebook groups obsess over their every movement, political rows centre on them and they regularly make headlines — locally and nationally. And why wouldn’t they draw attention? Because the rats of Page Moss are something to see.
‘A political rush’: Were Merseyrail’s new trains ready to hit the tracks?

Nov 23, 2023 | livpost.co.uk | Lisa Rand |Abi Whistance

Dear readers — unless you’ve been taking a much-needed social media detox over the last month or two, you’ll have seen the influx of complaints about Merseyrail's latest fleet of trains. Or, you might have been making those complaints yourself. From uncomfortable seating and windows that won’t open, to trains delayed and cancelled at the last minute, the long-awaited new trains have been a huge disappointment so far. But what’s gone wrong? Some say the problems are to be expected.
What Liverpool needs from local news - and why I'm joining The Post

Nov 11, 2023 | livpost.co.uk | Lisa Rand

By Lisa RandIn my early teens, I had a heavy relationship with local news. Each week I’d lug 500 newspapers in a rickety trolley up and down the steep hills of New Brighton. The night before, my family would have formed a conveyer belt in the kitchen, adding in the extras, folding them up and into the trolley ready to go.
The latest notices and decisions across the Liverpool City Region

Oct 22, 2023 | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Lisa Rand

A series of public notices and key decisions have been issued by councils across the Liverpool City Region in the past seven days. Public notices are important documents that keep residents informed of local council decision making. These can include notices about issues ranging from planning applications to bins or parking, with local authorities obliged to make a public record of their intentions. More information about public notices in your area can be found here on the Public Notice Portal.