FORMER mayor and UKIP candidate John Beirne has accused the town's Labour leadership of "throwing in the towel" after agreeing to the devolution deal.

Beirne, who was a Lib Dem when in office, slammed the Labour hierarchy in the town hall saying they were forgotting the town's heritage and have given its future away.

He said: "Transferring powers will affect employers, families, schools and colleges in the future. No doubt Liverpool's mayor Joe Anderson is top of the list for the new Merseyside role with no interest in St Helens whatsoever.

"Will it cost tax payers more is the question people are asking. A super cabinet led by a Merseyside mayor will take powers away from St Helens Council. Labour politicians have let the town down and are playing the Tory government's game. No doubt there will be more expenses will be claimed.

"The town's identity will be overshadowed by Liverpool. Council leader Barrie Grunewald should have asked St Helens people what they think and consulted them before this decision was taken."

Addressing local concerns on loss of local power and identity during a speech to council last week, Councillor Grunewald said: “Some fear that devolution is a means for a takeover – it is not. We are too strong a body to be put under such pressure and I will ensure that remains the case.

“What we have ensured is that local leaders will retain their influence over both the combined authority and mayoral plans and that we may reject such if necessary – on a two-thirds majority vote basis – so that all parts of the city region benefit from the resources being made available.

"There will also be a veto available on certain aspects.

“Whoever the mayor is – then he or she must embrace democratic challenge and must embrace public scrutiny.”