Former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson denies wrongdoing after being charged with bribery and misconduct offenses amid city investigation.
The 67-year-old faces three charges, including bribery and misconduct. He also faces conspiracy to commit misconduct.
Anderson led Liverpool Council from 2010. He became mayor in 2012, serving until 2020. His arrest was part of Operation Aloft, involving city contracts awarded between 2010 and 2020.
His son, David Anderson, was also charged, along with Derek Hatton, a former deputy leader. Business owners Julian and Paul Flanagan are charged too. Nick Kavanagh and Andrew Barr, ex-council directors, face charges.
Anderson denied wrongdoing on social media. He urged people not to assume guilt, stating his innocence and vowing to clear his name. He thanked supporters for their messages.
Operation Aloft began in 2019. It investigated development contract awards, leading to numerous arrests, including Anderson’s in 2020.
Anderson sought his third term as mayor. The Labour Party suspended him after his arrest. Consequently, he resigned from his position.
David Anderson, 37, faces conspiracy charges. Joseph Anderson, 67, faces bribery and misconduct charges related to his mayoral role.
Andrew Barr, 51, faces bribery and conspiracy charges. Phillipa Cook, 49, faces two counts of bribery, while Alex Croft, 29, faces one count of bribery.
Julian Flanagan, 53, faces conspiracy to commit bribery. Paul Flanagan, 61, faces a similar charge. Derek Hatton, 77, faces bribery charges.
Sonjia Hatton, 49, faces a misconduct charge. Nicholas Kavanagh, 56, faces two bribery charges. Adam McLean, 54, and James Shalliker, 38, both face conspiracy to commit bribery.
Prosecutors reviewed evidence from Merseyside Police and authorized charges against twelve people. The charges relate to bribery and misconduct. A court hearing is set for March 28.