Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson bailed in bribery inquiry

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has been released on bail after being arrested by police investigating claims of bribery and witness intimidation.

He was held with four other men as part of an investigation into the awarding of building contracts in the city.

The Labour Party has suspended Mr Anderson pending the outcome of the case.

Merseyside Police said all five people "have been released on condition bail, pending further inquiries."

Their year-long investigation, Operation Aloft, has focused on a number of property developers.

On Friday, Mr Anderson, 62, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.

In a statement, he said he was "interviewed for six hours" and that he was "co-operating fully" with the police.

Mr Anderson said he would be "talking to my cabinet colleagues over the weekend to ensure the challenges our city faces with the Covid pandemic continue to receive the focus they deserve".

He also said he supported Labour's decision to suspend him while the police inquiry continues.

"I have been bailed to return in one month's time. Given the investigation is continuing, and there are bail conditions, I will not be making any further comments."

Councillor Richard Kemp, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group on Liverpool City Council, said that Mr Anderson should follow "other senior figures in such cases" and "step away" from the council and mayoralty during the legal process.

Police said they detained two other men, from Liverpool and Ainsdale, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.

Two more, aged 25 and 72, were arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation.

Liverpool City Council said it was co-operating with Merseyside Police.

Father-of-four Mr Anderson, an ex-social worker and former member of the Merchant Navy, joined the Labour Party in 1980.

He was elected mayor of Liverpool in 2012, having been on the city's council since 1998.

In 2016, he vied to become Labour's candidate for the Liverpool City Region mayoral post, but was beaten by then Walton MP Steve Rotheram, who currently holds the position.

Mr Anderson recently spearheaded the drive for mass coronavirus testing in Liverpool.

His brother Bill died in October after contracting the virus.