Harry Doyle: Championing Health, Culture, and Education in Liverpool
In the heart of Liverpool’s civic and cultural life, one name consistently stands out: Harry Doyle. A dedicated public servant, educator, and advocate for equality, Doyle has combined his experience in teaching, community activism, and political leadership to bring meaningful change to the city he calls home. Currently serving as the Labour and Co-operative Councillor for Knotty Ash and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture at Liverpool City Council, as well as Director of Aspire Liverpool, Doyle’s journey reflects a rare blend of professional commitment, grassroots campaigning, and a passion for empowering the next generation.
This article explores his background, career milestones, values, and ongoing work, providing a comprehensive look at a leader whose focus on health, culture, and education continues to shape Liverpool’s communities.
Early Life and Education
Academic Foundations of Harry Doyle
Harry Doyle studied at Liverpool Hope University, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Teacher Education and Professional Development, specialising in Primary Education and Mathematics. His training as a teacher gave him first-hand insight into the challenges faced by young people in education, particularly in communities where aspirations were limited by socio-economic barriers.
Teaching Experience in Merseyside
Following his graduation in 2018, Doyle entered the teaching profession through the Connex Education Partnership. Working as a Supply Teacher, he taught in primary schools across Merseyside. This role required adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to quickly build relationships with pupils and staff alike. His success in the classroom was recognised by positive feedback and commendations from schools. These experiences shaped Doyle’s strong belief in education as the cornerstone of opportunity and social mobility.
Professional Career Beyond Politics
Amey: Building Leadership and Service Skills
Before moving into public office full-time, Doyle also gained extensive experience in the private sector with Amey, a major UK-based infrastructure support service. Between 2015 and 2020, he worked first as a Customer Service Operator and later as a Team Leader. These roles honed his skills in management, problem-solving, and customer relations—abilities he would later apply effectively to community work and political office.
Early Engagement with the Labour Party
Doyle’s political engagement began long before he was elected as a councillor. Between 2013 and 2018, he served as a Constituency Secretary for the Labour Party in Liverpool West Derby. He was also a Mobilisation Assistant in 2017, where he coordinated volunteer efforts and phone banks during mayoral and general election campaigns. This early activism laid the groundwork for his future leadership within Liverpool City Council.
Political Career
Harry Doyle as Liverpool City Councillor
Elected in May 2018, Doyle became a Labour & Co-operative Councillor representing Knotty Ash. Since then, he has been deeply engaged in the issues facing his ward and the wider city. He has built strong networks with community leaders, stakeholders, and local residents, focusing on grassroots concerns such as:
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Housing and anti-social behaviour
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Support for vulnerable residents navigating benefits and welfare
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Crime prevention through community group formation
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Cleanliness and environmental improvements
His commitment to residents has been demonstrated through effective casework, ranging from street maintenance to addressing complex social challenges.
Campaigns and Advocacy
Doyle has spearheaded a number of high-profile campaigns in Liverpool. Among these were efforts to protect the legacy of Melwood, the iconic former training ground of Liverpool Football Club, and campaigns defending Trans rights, demonstrating his advocacy for inclusion and equality. His record shows a commitment not just to traditional council duties but also to championing broader issues of justice and representation.
Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture
Appointment to Cabinet
In May 2021, Doyle was appointed Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture at Liverpool City Council. This position entrusted him with the responsibility of overseeing some of the city’s most vital sectors. His role involves leadership in public health initiatives, cultural development strategies, and community wellbeing programmes.
Health and Wellbeing Leadership
As Cabinet Member, Doyle sits on the Health and Wellbeing Board, a statutory forum bringing together leaders from health, social care, community, and voluntary sectors. He has worked to strengthen public health systems, champion mental health awareness, and ensure Liverpool’s health policies prioritise equity and accessibility.
Driving Cultural Strategy
Doyle also plays a central role in Liverpool’s cultural development. He has been actively involved in shaping the city’s Cultural Strategy 2025–2030, also known as Culture Makes Liverpool. This ambitious plan emphasises culture not only as entertainment but as a driver of wellbeing, education, and economic growth. Under his watch, Liverpool continues to reinforce its reputation as one of the UK’s cultural capitals.
Director of Aspire Liverpool
Mission of Aspire Liverpool
In addition to his civic role, Doyle serves as Director of Aspire Liverpool, a charitable organisation dedicated to raising aspirations among Liverpool students. The initiative provides young people with opportunities, mentoring, and access to pathways previously out of reach. One of its notable projects, the Liverpool to Oxbridge Collaborative, helps students from local schools to apply to world-leading universities.
Supporting Social Mobility
Through Aspire Liverpool, Doyle continues to connect his passion for education with tangible action. His work in the charity sector complements his political roles, ensuring that young people in Liverpool have opportunities to succeed regardless of their background.
Values and Community Commitment
Advocacy for Equality and Inclusion
Harry Doyle’s career has been defined by his commitment to equality. From defending the rights of marginalised groups to advocating for cultural accessibility, he has consistently highlighted inclusion as a core value. His campaigns for Trans rights reflect his belief that local government must protect and empower all communities.
Grassroots Engagement
Unlike many politicians, Doyle’s roots in teaching and community work mean he maintains strong grassroots connections. His casework, campaigns, and policy leadership are all built on consistent dialogue with residents. This approach has helped him gain trust and credibility within the city.
Volunteer Work and Personal Interests
Volunteering Background
Earlier in his career, Doyle volunteered with the Merseyside Domestic Violence Service LTD in 2013. He helped organise fundraising events, secured donations from companies, and raised awareness for victims of domestic abuse. This experience added to his understanding of social challenges and reinforced his commitment to supporting vulnerable people.
Personal Side of Harry Doyle
Outside of politics and teaching, Doyle describes himself as a lover of cats, a detail that adds a personal, approachable dimension to his public persona. His authenticity has often been cited as one of his strongest qualities as a councillor and community leader.
Conclusion
Harry Doyle embodies the modern public servant—combining political leadership, educational commitment, and community activism into a single career. His journey from teacher and Labour Party organiser to Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture and Director of Aspire Liverpool illustrates both ambition and dedication to service.
With a strong track record in public health, cultural development, and education, Doyle continues to be a central figure in shaping Liverpool’s future. His focus on inclusion, grassroots engagement, and raising aspirations makes him one of the city’s most influential and relatable leaders.
