Former city leader ruled out of Operation Sheridan investigation
Lancashire Police has closed its interviews with former Liverpool City Council Mayor, Joe Anderson.
This follows a tweet by Mr Anderson claiming he was no longer involved with the probe.
Mr Anderson, 64, the former Labour leader of the authority, was quizzed over Operation Sheridan, an investigation which began in 2013, involving allegations of financial irregularities in relation to procurement practices at Lancashire County Council.
It concerned the tendering of a £5m contract with One Connect Ltd, a joint venture between the council and BT to run some services.
Lancashire Police said it has recently contacted four people, telling them they are no longer under investigation.
A Police statement said: “Lancashire Constabulary have written to four men to tell them they are no longer under investigation as part of Operation Sheridan.
“The four, aged 64, 68, 66 and 62, were contacted last month and told they would face no further action.
“Operation Sheridan was launched in 2013 following allegations of financial irregularity made to the constabulary by Lancashire County Council.
“On completion of the investigation, we referred the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service who are currently considering potential offences in relation to four other individuals.
“We would like to remind all concerned that criminal proceedings in this matter remain active. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could, in any way, prejudice any future proceedings.”
Mr Anderson was interviewed by Lancashire officers under caution towards the end of 2017.
In a statement in February 2018, he said: “From the outset of this investigation, as mayor, I have made it clear that Liverpool City Council, its officers and members will cooperate fully with Lancashire Police in their enquiries.
“Further to that commitment a number of people have been voluntarily interviewed. I have met the police on several occasions and one of those was voluntarily under caution which I positively wanted to attend to evidence my full cooperation and assistance in their enquiries.”
On December 4, 2020, Mr Anderson was arrested by Merseyside Police, in connection with alleged offences of bribery and witness intimidation linked to investigations into building and development contracts in Liverpool.
Merseyside Police said the arrests were part of Operation Aloft, “an ongoing investigation”.
Mr Anderson has denied all allegations.
Merseyside Police told TheBusinessDesk.com: “Our investigation remains ongoing.”
