Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has been named among 12 other people charged with bribery and misconduct offences relating to Liverpool City Council contracts.
Merseyside Police announced the charges today following an extensive investigation into the awarding of commercial and business contracts between 2010 and 2020.
The police investigation, codenamed Operation Aloft, focused specifically on the awarding of commercial and business contracts from Liverpool City Council.
The charges include multiple counts of bribery, misconduct in public office, and conspiracy offences.
Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has been charged with bribery and misconduct
PA
Both former council officials and business figures are among those charged.
Former Mayor of Liverpool Joseph Anderson, 67, has been charged with bribery, misconduct in public office and conspiracy.
Derek Hatton, 77, has been charged with bribery and counselling or procuring misconduct.
Former Director at Liverpool City Council Nicholas Kavanagh, 56, has been charged with two counts of bribery.
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Derek Hatton in the stands during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool
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Former Assistant Director at Liverpool City Council Andrew Barr, 51, has been charged with conspiracy and bribery.
Also charged are David Anderson, 37; Phillipa Cook, 49; Alex Croft, 29; Julian Flanagan, 53; Paul Flanagan, 61; Sonjia Hatton, 49; Adam McLean, 54; and James Shalliker, 38.
All defendants will appear at Preston Magistrates Court on March 28, 2025.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Robin Weyell said: “The CPS has reviewed a full file of evidence from the Merseyside Police and has authorised the investigation team to charge 12 people with 12 offences related to bribery and misconduct in public office.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
In a statement posted on his X account, former mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “I am innocent of charges and will fight to clear my name. Thank you for all the messages of support and best wishes.”
