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Former Liverpool mayor charged with bribery and misconduct in public office

Liverpool City Council's former Mayor, Joe Anderson, has been 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, Merseyside Police have confirmed.

Eleven other individuals have also been 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 have been 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 have meanwhile been 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.

The full charges are:

  • Joseph Anderson, 67 years, of The Beechwalk, Knotty Ash, 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 – former Mayor of Liverpool.
  • David Anderson, 37 years, Wincanton Street, Wavertree, charged with one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.
  • Andrew Barr, 51 years, of Kendal Way, Ainsdale, charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office and one count of bribery – former Assistant Director at Liverpool City Council.
  • Phillipa Cook, 49 years of Rookery Drive, Mossley Hill, charged with two counts of bribery.
  • Alex Croft, 29 years, of Bold Lane, Aughton, Lancashire, charged with one count of bribery.
  • Julian Flanagan, 53 years, of Poplar Avenue, Crosby charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
  • Paul Flanagan 61 years, of Ormskirk Road, Knowsley Village, charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
  • Derek Hatton, 77 years, of Livingston Drive, Aigburth, charged with one count of bribery and one count of counsel or procure misconduct in a public office.
  • Sonjia Hatton, 49 years, of Livingston Drive, Aigburth, charged with one count of misconduct in a public office.
  • Nicholas Kavanagh, 56 years, of Rookery Drive, Mossley Hill, charged with two counts of bribery – former Director at Liverpool City Council.
  • Adam McLean, 54 years, of Acrefield Road, Woolton, charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
  • James Shalliker, 38 years of School Lane, Downholland, Lancashire, charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

The first case hearing will be on 28 March 2025 at Preston Magistrates Court.

Commenting on the charges, Robin Weyell, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, 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."

A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council said: "Liverpool City Council has actively supported this police investigation and will continue to cooperate as required."

Adam Carey