Joe Anderson and Derek Hatton are facing bribery and misconduct charges.
Police confirmed on Friday that the former Mayor of Liverpool and ex-deputy leader were among 12 people charged following an extensive investigation.
Anderson stepped down from the local authority in December 2020 after being arrested under suspicion to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
He was re-bailed by detectives as part of enquiries into Operation Aloft, which looked into building and development contracts between 2010 and 2020.
The 67-year-old has now been charged with counts of bribery, misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office
Two former council directors were also charged in Nicholas Kavanagh and Andrew Barr, who face bribery and to commit misconduct in a public office.
Hatton, who was deputy leader of the council in the mid-1980s, faces charges of bribery and counsel or procure misconduct in a public office
The remaining charges were also imposed on the following:
- David Anderson, 37, from Wavertree: charged with one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office
- Phillipa Cook, 49, from Mossley Hill: charged with two counts of bribery
- Alex Croft, 29, from Aughton: charged with one count of bribery
- Julian Flanagan, 53, from Crosby: charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery
- Paul Flanagan, 61, from Knowsley Village: charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery
- Sonjia Hatton, 49, from Aigburth: charged with one count of misconduct in a public office
- Adam McLean, 54, from Woolton: charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery
- James Shalliker, 38, from Downholland, Lancashire: charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery
All 12 people will appear at Preston Magistrates Court on March 28.
Liverpool City Council responded to Friday’s arrests involving several of its former employees by reaffirming its commitment to the ongoing investigation.
“Liverpool City Council has actively supported this police investigation and will continue to cooperate as required,” said a spokesperson.
“Since 2020, the Council has been transformed under new leadership, including the successful conclusion of a period of government intervention, with significant improvements in governance and performance.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”