The trial of Joe Anderson and Derek Hatton has been pushed back.
Originally, the former Mayor of Liverpool and ex-deputy leader of the council were due to appear at Preston Magistrates Court from October 5, 2026.
Anderson, 67, faces charges on counts of bribery, misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.
His son David Anderson is set to stand trial on one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office, as does Hatton’s wife Sonja.
Hatton, 77, will stand trial on charges of bribery and counsel or procure misconduct in a public office related to building and development contracts.
They are among 12 people charged following an extensive investigation which included several members of the former Labour council’s cabinet.
But a judge at Manchester Crown Court on Friday ordered that Hatton and Anderson’s respective cases be delayed by six months until April 5, 2027.
The trial, which will be held at Preston, is estimated to last up to 15 weeks.
Anderson maintained his innocence when appearing at a preliminary hearing in March and vowed to clear his name following the police investigation.
“I’ve cooperated with the police since day one. I’ve provided them with information, I’ve answered every question that they’ve put to me,” he said at the time.
“It’s been four and a half years of hell waiting to get to this stage.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve now got to the stage where a crown court hearing will be heard, where people can actually get to see all of the evidence and what I’ve been accused of.
“I’ve defended myself and protested my innocence from day one. I will continue to do so because I have done nothing wrong.
“I’ve always put the city of Liverpool and its people first and will always continue to do so. I look forward to getting the opportunity to go to court and actually clear my name.”