Merseyside, UK — Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson and ex-council deputy leader Derek Hatton have been charged with bribery and misconduct in public office, along with ten others, following a prolonged Merseyside Police investigation into council contracts.
The charges stem from Operation Aloft, an extensive probe targeting the alleged improper awarding of building and commercial contracts by Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020.
Mr. Anderson, 67, who was initially arrested in 2020, faces charges of bribery, misconduct in a public office, and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.
Following his arrest, Anderson maintained his innocence, stating he would “continue to fight to demonstrate that I am innocent of any wrongdoing.”
Derek Hatton, 77, a former deputy leader of Liverpool City Council, has been charged with bribery and counselling or procuring misconduct in a public office.
The investigation, which scrutinized a series of property developments and contractual awards, also led to charges against several other former council officials and local business figures.
Among them is Nicholas Kavanagh, 56, a former director at Liverpool City Council, who faces two counts of bribery, and Andrew Barr, 51, a former Assistant Director at the council, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office and bribery.
David Anderson, 37, believed to be related to Joe Anderson, has been charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.
Others charged include Phillipa Cook, 49, with two counts of bribery; Alex Croft, 29, with one count of bribery; and Julian Flanagan, 53, along with Paul Flanagan, 61, both facing charges of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Additionally, Sonjia Hatton, 49, has been charged with misconduct in a public office, while Adam McLean, 54, and James Shalliker, 38, face charges of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Merseyside Police confirmed that all 12 individuals are scheduled to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on 28 March.
The investigation’s findings highlight alleged collusion between council officials and developers, raising significant concerns about governance and transparency within Liverpool City Council during the period in question.
In a statement, Liverpool City Council expressed its commitment to supporting the investigation and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. “It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage,” a council spokesperson added.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which reviewed the evidence presented by Merseyside Police, authorised the charges.
Robin Weyell, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, emphasized the sensitivity of the case, stating: “The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed a full file of evidence from Merseyside Police and has authorised the investigation team to charge 12 people with 12 offences related to bribery and misconduct in public office.”
Weyell also issued a caution to the public and media, highlighting the importance of avoiding any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the legal proceedings.
“Criminal proceedings are now active, and it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” he warned.
As the case moves forward, the charges against Joe Anderson and Derek Hatton, prominent figures in Liverpool’s political landscape, are expected to draw significant public and media attention.
