Move to ‘restore trust in local politics’ after arrest of previous mayor on suspicion of conspiracy to bribe and intimidate
Liverpool Walton MP Dan Carden has publicly called, together with Transparency UK, on Labour’s three prospective mayoral candidates to commit to a ten-point plan to eliminate corruption in local government. The three – councillors Anna Rothery, Ann O’Byrne and Wendy Simons – are competing to be Labour’s candidate for the city mayor post that became vacant after the arrest of Joe Anderson on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation. Anderson remains on bail and has not been charged with any offence.
Carden has written to the prospective candidates directly, but tweeted news of his move:
The ten points include:
- recording any meetings between councillors and developers and ensuring officials are always in attendance
- improved transparency of elected officials’ financial interests
- limits on lobbying and the ‘revolving door’ that often sees officials moving between public office and company posts
- a new standards committee
- more severe sanctions for misconduct
How the candidates respond remains to be seen. Ballots open on Wednesday.
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