Joe Anderson’s attempt to see his legal costs covered by Liverpool City Council have been branded as ‘outrageous’.
Anderson was one of five men arrested in December as part of a police investigation into corruption around the awarding of building contracts.
The 63-year-old denies any wrongdoing but stepped aside from his role as the city’s elected Mayor and confirmed he will not stand for re-election in May.
However Anderson has since opened proceedings against the council after it refused to pay for his legal representation in fighting the case against him.
Several councillors including Labour’s mayoral candidate Joanne Anderson (no relation), Jane Corbett and Patrick Hurley publicly condemned his actions.
Separately, Liverpool Labour called on its former leader to retract his legal bid and insisted it will ‘totally reject’ any demands for tax players to foot the bill.
“The Labour councillors in the city met to agree a response to the mayor’s legal claim,” read a statement.
“The clear decision of the Labour Group of councillors is that we totally reject any call for Council Tax payers to foot this legal bill.
“We call on the claim to be withdrawn immediately and if it is not, the council will continue to fully defend this claim.
“We share the view of the public that this claim is outrageous, and we stand with the public.”
The group also apologised for the damage caused by its administration under Anderson which were revealed in last week’s damning report by Max Caller.
Commissioners are set to be drafted in to oversee the day-to-day running of the city as a result of the findings, which exposed a catalogue of failings.
The statement added: “We know we need to rebuild the trust of residents, business and local partners.
“We apologise for the hurt and embarrassment that this has caused the residents of Liverpool and Liverpool Labour group pledges to work constructively with commissioners, Liverpool City Council’s management team, trade unions and the wider Labour Party to remedy and correct all areas of concern.”