In a major development, former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and ex-politician Derek Hatton have been charged with bribery and misconduct, following an extensive investigation into council contracts.
Merseyside Police announced that Anderson and Hatton are among 12 individuals facing charges related to the awarding of business and commercial contracts between 2010 and 2020.
This investigation, known as Operation Aloft, has been ongoing for several years and focuses on improper practices within Liverpool City Council.
Details of the Charges and Investigation
The charges come after an extensive investigation into the operations of Liverpool City Council, where allegations of misconduct in the awarding of contracts surfaced.
The probe, led by Merseyside Police, examines claims that council officials and others involved in the awarding of contracts used improper methods to secure deals.
Those charged range in age from 29 to 77, with all 12 individuals due to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on March 28, 2025.
In addition to Joe Anderson, his son David Anderson, former assistant director of highways and planning Andrew Barr, and former head of regeneration Nick Kavanagh have also been charged with offences.
The charges highlight a growing concern over transparency and fairness in local government dealings.
Joe Anderson’s Political Journey
Joe Anderson, who became the first directly elected mayor of Liverpool in 2012, served until 2021.
Before that, he led the city council from 2010.
Anderson, who was a prominent figure in the Labour Party, stepped down from his £80,000-a-year mayoral post in 2020 after being questioned by police on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Despite being suspended by the Labour Party, Anderson initially resisted calls to resign, maintaining his innocence. He was quoted at the time saying, “Time will make it clear” that he was not guilty.
Anderson’s career began humbly, growing up in Liverpool and working his way up from the Merchant Navy to social work.
He entered local politics in the late 1990s and rapidly ascended through the ranks, becoming council leader in 2010 and elected mayor two years later.
Anderson’s fall from grace comes after years of significant influence in the region.
Derek Hatton’s Role and Charges
Derek Hatton, a former deputy council leader and member of the far-left Militant group, is also facing charges in connection with the investigation.
Hatton, 77, has been charged with bribery and misconduct in public office.
His political history, marked by his Trotskyist views, adds another layer of intrigue to this case.
Hatton’s tenure in Liverpool politics was controversial, and he was also questioned by authorities during the investigation.
His involvement in the case has added further complexity, as Merseyside Police continue to examine how contracts were awarded and whether political figures used their positions for personal gain.
Impact of the Investigation on Liverpool Council
The investigation has drawn attention to a broader issue within Liverpool City Council, where inspectors uncovered a culture of rule avoidance, bullying, and wasteful spending of public funds.
Following the inquiry, Whitehall-appointed commissioners were sent in to take over key departments such as roads, planning, property, and regeneration.
In 2019, Merseyside Police launched their investigation into the awarding of building and regeneration contracts, focusing on several council-owned properties that were allegedly sold to developers at preferential rates.
This sparked further scrutiny and led to the charges against Anderson, Hatton, and others.
The Road Ahead: Legal Proceedings and Impact
As legal proceedings move forward, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has reviewed the full file of evidence provided by Merseyside Police.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Robin Weyell emphasized that the individuals charged now have the right to a fair trial, and warned against any reporting that could influence the legal process.
For the citizens of Liverpool, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in local governance.
The charges against these high-profile figures could reshape the future of Liverpool’s political landscape, especially as the trial date approaches.
This ongoing investigation continues to develop, with the March court date set to be a critical moment in the case. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.