The mayor of Liverpool has opened the door to a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games after indicating a willingness to work with Manchester to deliver the event.

Joe Anderson officially wrote to culture secretary Karen Bradley and sports minister Tracey Crouch to confirm the city’s desire to be considered if the UK government decides to bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

He said he was happy to collaborate on a bid “led” by Liverpool if the government so chooses.

“Liverpool has submitted a request for the required information pack and has appointed a ‘world-class’ team headed by Brian Barwick, who will chair the Commonwealth Games Bid Board,” he said.

“We are now progressing at pace with the 2022 Games feasibility study, which will be completed by the end of August 2017,”

Anderson – who is expected to step down from his position when he campaigns to become an MP ahead of June’s General Election – added: “I note with interest that Manchester has announced that it will not submit a bid to host the 2022.

“Against this context, Liverpool is also prepared to lead a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ bid in partnership with Manchester and wider region.”