The Labour MP for Walton, Peter Kilfoyle, the constituency where the Bigley family live, said: "Boris's comments about this city were disastrously off the mark. He has offended thousands of people with his completely inaccurate and highly-offensive remarks.
"Scousers certainly won't hold back on telling him what they think."
But playwright Alan Bleasdale said Liverpool people should maintain their dignity and compassion when Mr Johnson visits the city.
The Boys from the Blackstuff creator said: "He's a complete buffoon who should learn to think before he opens his mouth.
"But two wrongs don't make a right and we should be careful of making too much fuss.
"The people of Liverpool should listen to what he says and treat him with the compassion, dignity and generosity we're famous for.
Phil Hammond, chairman of the Hillsborough Family support group, lost his 14-year-old son Philip in the tragedy.
He said: "I don't know why he's saying sorry. He doesn't mean it and the damage is already done. Coming up to Liverpool isn't going to change a thing." Business leaders in Liverpool yesterday called for Mr Johnson to stand down from his shadow cabinet role.
Tom O'Brien, chief executive of The Mersey Partnership, said: "Liverpool is on the up. Yet Boris Johnson ignores this.
"He is peddling a prejudice which most commentators hoped was long behind us, and which we have worked hard to counter.
"How can he seriously promote Liverpool and Britain's arts and culture if he irresponsibly launches into such a damaging tirade in print? The answer is he can't."
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