Reform UK Hampshire leader George Madgwick charged with rape
George Madgwick, 37, Reform UK leader in Hampshire, faces 35 charges including 12 counts of rape across a 13-year period between 2008 and 2021.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- George Madgwick, Reform UK leader in Hampshire, faces 35 criminal charges
- The charges include 12 counts of rape and 8 counts of actual bodily harm
- The alleged offences took place between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the UK has formally charged George Madgwick, the 37-year-old leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, with a total of 35 offences involving four victims. The alleged incidents took place between 2008 and 2021 across Portsmouth and Wales.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stated that their investigation into Madgwick was launched on 24 July 2025 following a report of a sexual offense. He was initially arrested on 6 January 2026 before being formally charged by the CPS on Tuesday.
Madgwick faces a severe list of charges, which include 12 counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of making indecent images of children, two counts of controlling or coercive behaviour, and eight counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Additionally, he faces single charges of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, distributing an indecent image of a child, stalking, making threats to kill, false imprisonment, theft, and criminal damage. The victims were aged 16 and 17 at the time of the offenses.
"Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to bring the case to court."
CPS Spokesperson
Under United Kingdom law and local government regulations, facing criminal charges does not automatically disqualify an elected councillor from holding office. A politician retains their position until legal proceedings reach a formal conviction, a policy that frequently sparks public debate regarding political ethics and accountability.
Madgwick represents North East Havant on Hampshire County Council and Paulsgrove on Portsmouth City Council. He was elected to the county council by a large margin in May, just months after his initial police arrest. Last month, he also appeared in an ITV News investigative documentary, after which he accused the broadcaster of electoral interference.
Source: BBC Politics
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