Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson and ex-councillor Derek Hatton have been charged with bribery and misconduct in public office, along with 10 others, following a long-running investigation into alleged corruption in Liverpool City Council contracts.
The charges stem from Operation Aloft, a Merseyside Police probe into the awarding of commercial and business contracts between 2010 and 2020. Anderson, Hatton, and others are accused of involvement in corrupt dealings with property developers and council officials.
Details of the Charges
Joe Anderson, 67, is charged with bribery, misconduct in public office, and conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.
Derek Hatton, 77, faces bribery and misconduct charges.
Nicholas Kavanagh, former council director, is charged with two counts of bribery.
Andrew Barr, ex-assistant director, faces bribery and conspiracy to commit misconduct.
David Anderson, 37, is charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.
Phillipa Cook, 49, and Alex Croft, 29, face bribery charges.
Julian Flanagan, 53, and Paul Flanagan, 61, are charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.
Sonjia Hatton, 49, is charged with misconduct in public office.
Adam McLean, 54, and James Shalliker, 38, face bribery conspiracy charges.
Anderson Denies Allegations
Responding to the charges, Anderson posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“I am innocent of these charges and will fight to clear my name.”
Liverpool City Council has pledged full cooperation with the police investigation but has refrained from further comment.
All 12 accused are set to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on March 28, 2025. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has warned against online speculation that could prejudice the case.
This case marks a significant development in the investigation into corruption allegations that have plagued Liverpool City Council for years.
