MAYOR OUT
Liverpool’s Labour mayor Joe Anderson steps down after arrest for conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation
THE Mayor of Liverpool is stepping down following his arrest on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
Joe Anderson, 62, was arrested by Merseyside Police along with four other men on Friday.
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They were arrested in connection with alleged offences of bribery and witness intimidation as part of an investigation into building and development contracts.
He has now stepped aside from his role after previously being suspended from the Labour Party.
The mayor confirmed he would be taking a period of "unpaid leave" while the investigation is ongoing.
Anderson said in a statement today: "I have always done what I believe is best for the city, and I am taking the following action with those best intentions in mind.
"It is important that everyone in Liverpool knows that our leaders are focussed on what is most important to the people; their livelihoods and, with a pandemic still in force, their lives.
"For this reason, I believe it is important that the city, and government, are reassured that our city is indeed operating in the correct way.
"I am, therefore, stepping away from decision-making within the council through a period of unpaid leave, until the police make clear their intentions with the investigation on the 31st December.
"The arrest on Friday has also been a painful shock for me and my family, following a difficult few months. I need to focus on their future and returning to a normal they can recognise, with the reassurance that I am no longer under suspicion.
"Therefore I am going to focus on co-operating with the police in their ongoing inquiry, as I believe time will make it clear that I have no case to answer."
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Anderson said Wendy Simon will become acting Mayor of Liverpool.
He added: "This situation has not dampened my passion for our city and the inspiring people who live and work here, most particularly the dedicated public servants who work within the Council and the Cabinet. They will continue their incredible work, as we would expect, against the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in.
"But I am not prepared to contribute my own circumstances to those challenges, so I have reached this decision for that reason alone.
"I am very grateful for the many messages of support I have received and I have faith that, as always, the future of our city is bright and its best days are ahead."
Calls were made last week for Anderson to step down in the wake of his arrest.
Councillor Richard Kemp, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Liverpool, said: "Firstly, Mayor Anderson must follow precedent and immediately stand down from all official duties until cleared or convicted.
"We all have deputies capable of carrying out our work.
"Secondly, we must allow the police to carry out their enquiries.
"They have been working for 18 months now on a series of allegations relating to problems within the regeneration directorate in relation to the awarding of contracts and property disposals.
"This is a complex matter and takes time.
"Justice is best served by not speculating on any potential issues as these might compromise subsequent trials."
Cops arrested people in the city, as well as in Ormskirk and Southport.
In addition to Anderson, a 33-year-old man from West Derby and a 46-year-old man from Ainsdale were both arrested on suspicion to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
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A 25-year-old man from Ormskirk was arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation.
Anderson lost his brother to Covid-19 in October.
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The Labour politician has been mayor of Liverpool since 2012.
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: "Liverpool City Council is co-operating with Merseyside Police in relation to its ongoing investigation. We do not comment on matters relating to individuals."
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