Former Politician Hatton and Wife Reject Misconduct Allegations

Former Liverpool City Council deputy leader Derek Hatton, 77, and his wife Sonjia, 50, have appeared in court denying charges of misconduct in public office.

Mr Hatton pleaded not guilty to counselling or procuring misconduct at Manchester Crown Court, while Mrs Hatton, of Aigburth, denied providing confidential council information to her husband. Both were released on bail ahead of their trial in April.

The couple will face trial alongside former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson, his son David, and ex-council assistant director Andrew Barr. The charges stem from Operation Aloft, a Merseyside Police investigation into council contract awards between 2010 and 2020.

Mr Anderson, 67, denies bribery, misconduct, and conspiracy charges. His son, 38, denies conspiracy, while Mr Barr, 51, denies conspiracy and accepting a bribe. Six other defendants are due in court in February.