Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 7th March 2025, at 08:40hrs
A sweeping corruption investigation, dubbed “Operation Aloft,” has culminated in the charging of 12 individuals, including former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and several high-ranking city officials, Merseyside Police confirmed today.
The charges, stemming from alleged bribery and misconduct related to the awarding of Liverpool City Council contracts between 2010 and 2020, have sent shockwaves through the city.
The list of those charged reads like a roll call of Liverpool’s recent political and business history, including former Assistant Director Andrew Barr, former Director Nicholas Kavanagh, and controversial political figure Derek Hatton. The charges range from bribery and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.
The charged individuals are:
* David Anderson, 37, charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.
* Joseph Anderson, 67, former Mayor of Liverpool, charged with bribery, misconduct in a public office, and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.
* Andrew Barr, 51, former Assistant Director at Liverpool City Council, charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office and bribery.
* Phillipa Cook, 49, charged with two counts of bribery.
* Alex Croft, 29, charged with bribery.
* Julian Flanagan, 53, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.
* Paul Flanagan, 61, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.
* Derek Hatton, 77, charged with bribery and counseling or procuring misconduct in a public office.
* Sonjia Hatton, 49, charged with misconduct in a public office.
* Nicholas Kavanagh, 56, former Director at Liverpool City Council, charged with two counts of bribery.
* Adam McLean, 54, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.
* James Shalliker, 38, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.
The sheer scale of the alleged corruption has left many in Liverpool reeling.
Residents express a mixture of anger, disbelief, and a sense of betrayal.
“I’m disgusted,” said one local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous. “We put our trust in these people, and this is how they repay us? It’s a disgrace.”
All 12 individuals are scheduled to appear at Preston Magistrates Court on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Merseyside Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have issued a strong warning against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings.
They emphasized the importance of upholding the defendants’ right to a fair trial. The city now waits, with bated breath, as the legal process unfolds, and the full extent of the alleged corruption is laid bare.
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