The mayor of Liverpool has announced his resignation after being arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation and bribery.
Joe Anderson, 62, said in a statement, “I will refrain from making decisions within the council through unpaid leave.”
“Until the police clarify their investigations with the investigation,” he added.
Mr. Anderson was He was arrested on December 4 With four other men as part of an investigation into planning developments in the city.
All five are pending further investigation, and Mr Anderson said he would like to “focus on cooperating with the police” as he hopes “time will clarify that I have no time to respond.”
His statement continued: “I have always done what I believe is best for the city, and I am taking the following steps with those best intentions in mind.
“It is important for everyone in Liverpool to know that our leaders are focused on what’s most important to the people; their livelihoods and their lives with an epidemic.
“For this reason, I believe it is important for the city and the government to ensure that our city is truly functioning in the right direction.
“Therefore, I refrain from making decisions within the council during the period of unpaid leave until the police clarify their intentions with the hearing on December 31.”
He also said Deputy Mayor Wendy Simon would be appointed to replace him.
Mr Anderson described his arrest as “a painful shock to me and my family for the next few months.”
The directly elected mayor has already been suspended from Labor.
He said it confirms the city’s attitude Corona virus The infection has been in his absence since he was able to successfully move from Tier 3 to Tier 2 last month.
The first part of England it was very difficult COVID-19 Restrictions, but after lowering infection rates, are now used as a testing ground for mass testing.
Mr. Anderson’s brother Bill Died of the virus 70 years old in October.
