Ex-Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson Among 12 Charged in Major Bribery Investigation

Former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, along with city politician Derek Hatton and ten others, has been charged with bribery and misconduct linked to council contracts in Liverpool. This legal action follows a lengthy investigation known as Operation Aloft conducted by Merseyside Police, which scrutinized dealings with several property developers. The arrests, which took place in 2020, are centered on alleged corrupt activities related to the awarding of commercial contracts by the Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020.

Anderson, who served as mayor from 2012 and had been a Labour councillor since 1998, publicly proclaimed his innocence on social media, stating he is determined to clear his name amid the accusations. The individuals charged faced various counts, including bribery, conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office, and misconduct in public office itself. Notably, several individuals holding significant positions within the council were charged, indicating a possible widespread issue.

Merseyside Police announced that all 12 accused individuals are set to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on March 28, where they will officially face the charges. The Crown Prosecution Service has stressed the importance of a fair trial, advising that any commentary or dissemination of details that could compromise the judicial process should be avoided. Meanwhile, Liverpool City Council has expressed its commitment to cooperating with the ongoing police investigation, though they are refraining from making further comments at this point.