Trial of ex-Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson delayed

The alleged council corruption trial of former mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and ex-politician Derek Hatton has been put back by six months.

The pair, along with three others, were due to stand trial in October next year but at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court, a judge ordered the trial to now go ahead on 5 April 2027.

Mr Anderson, 67, who was the city's elected mayor from 2012 to 2021, is charged with bribery, misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.

The defendants were charged as part of Operation Aloft, launched by Merseyside Police to look into the awarding of commercial and business contracts from the council between 2010 and 2020.

Mr Hatton, of Aigburth, Liverpool, who was deputy council leader, is accused of offering a bribe.

The 77-year-old is also charged with counselling or procuring misconduct in a public office.

Ten others, including Mr Hatton's wife Sonjia and Mr Anderson's son David, have also been charged.

None of the defendants, who are on bail, were in court for the hearing.

The 2027 trial at Preston Crown Court is estimated to last up to 15 weeks.

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