Ex-mayor 'like a recluse' since police probe

Joe Anderson was arrested as part of a Merseyside Police probe in December, 2020

Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said he has become a "like a recluse" because of a long-running police probe.

Mr Anderson, who was arrested as part of an anti-corruption operation in December 2020, remains under investigation.

On Monday Lord Heseltine asked the government whether it was right that ex-Labour mayor Mr Anderson should have to wait so long for "justice".

Mr Anderson said he had been "humbled" by Lord Heseltine's intervention.

He told the BBC he felt "so angry" that people "can be made to wait this long for justice".

"I haven’t been able to work nor claim benefits and have been like a recluse with my reputation tarnished", he said.

Mr Anderson was arrested as part of an anti-corruption probe by Merseyside Police, codenamed Operation Aloft, on 4 December, 2020.

He has not been charged with any offence and the investigation remains ongoing three years and four months later.

Mr Anderson denies any wrong-doing, but stepped aside from his role as city mayor and indicated he would not stand for re-election after his arrest.

'Reputation tarnished'

On Monday, former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine highlighted the length of the investigation to government minister Lord Andrew Sharpe, asking: "Does he think that's justice?"

Lord Sharpe responded saying he could not comment as the investigation was a police matter.

Lord Heseltine told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I don't accept that; destroying a man's reputation and income, without somebody saying 'look, you've got to make your minds up'."

Mr Anderson's arrest came as part of a large-scale enquiry into building and development contracts in the city.

So far 13 people have been arrested as part of Operation Aloft since 2019, on suspicion of offences including bribery, witness intimidation, misconduct in a public office and fraud.

Lord Heseltine said Joe Anderson's reputation had been "destroyed"

'Determined'

In response to the comments from Lord Heseltine, Merseyside Police said: "This complex investigation is still ongoing and officers are working as expeditiously as possible for all concerned.”

Lord Heseltine, who was once dubbed Minister for Merseyside for his work on regeneration after the Toxteth riots, said he accepted the allegations against Mr Anderson were serious.

"It is a criminal matter and the police are right to act", he said.

"It is now three years and four months since he was arrested, and no charges have been made since, and I say to myself is that justice?"

In his comments to the BBC Mr Anderson said his "family, friends and faith" had kept him going.

"I am determined to clear my name", he added.