Politicians set to tackle Liverpool FC ownership issue in Parliament

Labour MPs have tabled an Early Day Motion for Parliament to debate the ongoing ownership problems at Liverpool FC. Six Merseyside politicians have expressed their dismay at George Gillett and Tom Hicks' tenure following three years of unrest at Anfield, with the club currently owing in excess of £237million to the Government-owned Royal Bank of Scotland.
A proposal by Steve Rotherham (Walton), Alison McGovern (Wirral South), Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood), Dave Watts (St Helens North) and Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) has been backed by several politicians, including recently-elected Wavertree MP Luciana Berger.
Cllr Rotheram replaced Peter Kilfoyle in May as the MP for the Walton constituency where the club's Anfield stadium is located and was highly supportive of the commemorations for last year's 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster in his role as Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
Kilfoyle, who retired after 19 years as the area's representative, supported an Early Day Motion in 2008 which called on the then Government to prevent RBS. who are 60% state-owned, extending their loan agreement with Gillett and Hicks.
The latest EDM encourages discussion with supporter organisations such as Spirit of Shankly and ShareLiverpoolFC about how politicians can help steer the club in the right direction with the Americans' promises of a new stadium in Stanley Park showing no signs of being fulfilled.
It states: "This House expresses its dismay at the failure of the American owners of Liverpool Football Club to exercise responsible stewardship of the club; notes the departure of the outgoing manager Rafael Benitez; regrets the failure to fulfil promises of a new stadium; supports consultation and engagement with supporters' groups; and looks to an early change of ownership and a positive strategy to take the club forward."
This week it emerged that Hicks' refusal to lower his valuation of £800million for the club scuppered two potential sales to investors described by sources at Barclays Capital, who are aiding the search for new owners, as "perfect fit".

Richard Buxton @'Click Liverpool'