Joe Anderson has admitted his political career is now effectively over in his first televised interview since his arrest.
Mr Anderson was speaking in his first interview since the contents of a devastating Government-commissioned report into the mismanagement of Liverpool Council.
The interview was broadcast on Channel 4 News tonight and Mr Anderson once again dismissed the allegations which led to his arrest last December.
He also defended his record at the city council following government inspector Max Caller's inspection report.
He said: "There's many hours I've spent trying to understand and unpick why I'm in the position I'm in now.
"I'm going to defend my legacy. I have never taken a bribe - nor would I. Why would I?"
Find out what's going on in your local area by entering your postcode below:
When asked about some of the specific allegations made against him, Mr Anderson denied influencing a decision to award a lucrative council contract to a company run by his son David.
When Mr Anderson, who is now suspended from the Labour party, was asked directly whether he thought his political career was now over, he replied: "I guess so.
"It's whether I've got an appetite for it still. My family has gone through hell.
"It's only my faith and my friends that have kept me going, and the belief that the truth will come out."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Mr Anderson was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation in December as part of Merseyside Police's Operation Aloft, which is investigating building and development contracts in Liverpool.
He has not been charged and denies wrongdoing, but has stepped away from his mayoral role while the investigation continues.
