Liverpool is "set to bid to host the Commonwealth Games," according to Liam Murphy of the LIVERPOOL ECHO. The plans were "revealed in a letter from Mayor Joe Anderson to Culture Secretary John Whittingdale." Anderson said that the move could "be a catalyst for regeneration" across the city region if successful. He said, "It's at an early stage, but I've written to the government staking Liverpool's intention to consider hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. I am ambitious for the future of our city and I think we have an enormous amount to offer including a track record of delivering big-ticket events and a brilliant sporting heritage." Anderson pointed to the success of the Capital of Culture year in '08 and the "recent Three Queens spectacular as evidence of Liverpool’s ability to host major events." The Commonwealth Games were last held in Glasgow in '14 and the next games, in '18, "will be at the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia." Last year, Liverpool council bosses said that they "decided against submitting a bid for the city to host the Commonwealth Games" (LIVERPOOL ECHO, 4/13).
