Former Liverpool mayor denies bribery and misconduct charges

Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has vowed to clear his name after appearing in court on bribery and misconduct charges.

Speaking outside Preston Magistrates' Court, Anderson said he had "protested [his] innocence from day one" and welcomed the opportunity to contest the allegations in court.

Merseyside Police announced that Anderson was charged with one count of bribery, one count of misconduct in a public office and one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office earlier this month.

Eleven other individuals were also charged as part of a police investigation – named 'Operation Aloft' – into the awarding of commercial and business contracts from Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, 10 people were charged with bribery offences committed between 2013 and 2020.

These charges concern allegations that advantages were given for the improper awarding of council contracts and other services.

Five people were meanwhile charged with misconduct in public office offences through arranging and granting privileged and special access or seeking confidential information from the council in commercial and business matters or abuse of position of power, between 2010 and 2020, the CPS said.

Following his magistrates' appearance, Anderson told reporters: "I've cooperated with the police since day one. I've provided information. I've answered every question that they've put to me.

"It's been four and a half years of hell waiting to get to this stage, so I'm absolutely delighted that we've now got to the stage where a crown court hearing will be heard where people can actually get to see all the evidence and what I've been accused of.

He added: "I've defended myself and protested my innocence from day one. I'll continue to do so because I've done nothing wrong.

"I've always put the city of Liverpool and its people first and will always continue to do so

"I will look forward to getting the opportunity to go to court and actually clear my name."

All 12 defendants have been sent for trial for a preliminary plea and trial preparation hearing to take place on 25 April at Preston Crown Court.

Most of the charges are indictable only offences so no pleas can be entered at the Magistrates Court.

There are some either way offences – including one for Joe Anderson – that have been directed by the court to be heard by jury at the crown court.

For those matters the pleas may have been indicated but at this stage they aren’t recorded in the court’s system.

Adam Carey