Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson bailed in bribery probe

The mayor of the English city of Liverpool was released on bail on Saturday, after being arrested over allegations of fraud in building and development contracts, local media reported.

The Liverpool Echo reported that Joe Anderson was one of five men arrested on Friday by detectives as part of an ongoing investigation.

Local media is reporting he has been suspended from the Labour Party following his arrest.

Merseyside Police said on Friday men aged 62, 33, 46, 25 and 72 had been arrested and were being questioned “in connection with offenses of bribery and witness intimidation.”

The force did not name the men, in keeping with UK policy that suspects are not identified until they are charged.

Liverpool City Council said in a statement that it was” co-operating with Merseyside Police in relation to its ongoing investigation. We do not comment on matters relating to individuals.”

Anderson, 62, has been Liverpool’s elected mayor since 2012; He has gained national prominence during the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Liverpool and other northern cities especially hard.

Anderson has made many media appearances as local authorities across the north battled with the British government over restrictions and financial support.

(Image credit: Joe Anderson/Instagram)