By Basant El-Faramawy
Reform UK's Hampshire leader George Madgwick has been charged with 35 offences against four victims over a 13-year period, including 12 counts of rape, the Crown Prosecution Service announced on Tuesday.
Charges detailed
The 37-year-old councillor, who represents North East Havant on Hampshire County Council and Paulsgrove on Portsmouth City Council, faces charges of rape, sexual assault, controlling or coercive behaviour, and making indecent images of a child. The alleged offences occurred between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales, with victims aged 16 and 17 at the time.
Police investigation
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary began investigating Madgwick on 24 July 2025 after receiving a report of a sexual offence. He was first arrested on 6 January 2026 and charged by the CPS this week. He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November.
Political fallout
Reform UK said Madgwick had been suspended "with immediate effect". He was elected to the county council by a large margin in May, months after his initial arrest. Last month he featured in an ITV News Exposure documentary, after which he accused the broadcaster of "electoral interference".
CPS statement
A CPS spokesperson said prosecutors had established sufficient evidence and that it was in the public interest to bring the case to court. They reminded all parties that proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
