Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson speaks after being released on bail
Anderson was questioned for six hours
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The mayor of Liverpool has been released on bail after being questioned for six hours as part of a police inquiry into claims of bribery and witness intimidation.
Joe Anderson, 62, was arrested along with four other men on Friday by police investigating allegations linked to building and development contracts in the city.
Merseyside Police confirmed the five people detained had been “released on conditional bail pending further inquiries”.
Mr Anderson, Liverpool’s elected mayor since 2012, was suspended by the Labour Party following his arrest.
He said he had cooperated fully with Merseyside Police, and supported Labour’s decision to suspend him while the investigation continues.
“I have been bailed to return in one month’s time. Given the investigation is continuing, and there are bail conditions, I will not be making any further comments,” the mayor added in a statement released to the Liverpool Echo newspaper.
Earlier on Saturday, Richard Kemp, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in Liverpool, called on Mr Anderson to stand down from his position as mayor “until cleared or convicted”.
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