Joe Anderson and Derek Hatton charged with bribery in Liverpool council scandal
- Joe Anderson and Derek Hatton are among 12 individuals charged following an extensive investigation into council contracts.
- The investigation, known as Operation Aloft, focused on awarding commercial and business contracts between 2010 and 2020.
- The charges raise significant concerns about corruption within the Liverpool City Council and the conduct of public officials.
In the UK, a significant investigation named Operation Aloft has culminated in the charging of 12 individuals, including Joe Anderson, the former Mayor of Liverpool, and Derek Hatton, a former deputy council leader. These charges follow an extensive inquiry into allegations of corruption involving the awarding of commercial and business contracts by the Liverpool City Council between 2010 and 2020. On March 28, 2025, all 12 charged individuals are set to appear at Preston Magistrates' Court, where they will face serious allegations related to bribery and misconduct in public office. Joe Anderson, who served as the city's first directly elected Labour mayor from 2012 until 2021, was arrested in December 2020, with his suspension from the Labour Party following shortly after. He faces multiple charges, including bribery and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office. His involvement in the investigation has drawn considerable public and media attention, highlighting his role in local governance during a period of increasing scrutiny of public officials' conduct. Derek Hatton, noted for his association with the Militant tendency in the Labour Party during the 1970s and 1980s, has also been charged alongside others, including Anderson's son, David Anderson. In addition to bribery, Hatton faces charges of misconduct in a public office. The inquiry's expansive nature, which brought to light various individuals within the council, reflects a systematic evaluation of how public contracts were awarded, exposing potential corruption at different levels of local government. As the legal proceedings proceed, it remains vital for the public to understand the implications of these charges not only for those involved but for the reputation of the Liverpool City Council as well. The involvement of high-profile figures such as Joe Anderson and Derek Hatton emphasizes the need for thorough investigations in maintaining transparency and accountability within public offices.