Crimeupdated 40m ago2 min read
Reform UK Councillor George Madgwick Charged With 35 Offences Including Rape
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George Madgwick, Reform UK Hampshire group leader, charged with 35 offences including rape. Reform UK suspended him with immediate effect.
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Madgwick charged, suspended
Reform UK councillor George Madgwick was charged with 35 offences including rape, and the Crown Prosecution Service said the allegations involve four people aged between 16 and 17 and took place between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales. Reform UK suspended Madgwick from the party with immediate effect, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said its investigation began on 24 July 2025 after a report of a sexual offence. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it first arrested Madgwick on 6 January 2026 at an address in Wandsworth, London, and the BBC said Madgwick was due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November.
“The leader of Reform UK in Hampshire has been charged with 35 offences against four victims over a 13-year period, including 12 counts of rape.”
The Crown Prosecution Service said, "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute George Madgwick for serious sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape." The Crown Prosecution Service also said, "There should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Counts and alleged victims
Madgwick, 37, faced charges including rape, sexual assault, controlling or coercive behaviour, and making indecent images of a child against four victims aged 16 and 17 at the time. Madgwick was charged with offences including "Twelve offences of rape" and "Two offences of assault by penetration," and the charges relate to four victims aged between 16 and 17. Madgwick represents North East Havant on Hampshire County Council and Paulsgrove on Portsmouth City Council, and he was elected to his county council position in May.
The local authority was aware of "extremely serious allegations" and it would not be appropriate to comment further because criminal proceedings were under way. Madgwick was aware of the "extremely serious allegations" and it would not be appropriate to comment further as criminal proceedings were now under way.
Political fallout and next steps
Madgwick was also charged with two counts of sexual assault, and he will appear at Portsmouth magistrates’ court on Nov 25. The local authority was aware of "extremely serious allegations" and that it would not be appropriate to comment further as criminal proceedings were now under way. Bridget Phillipson, the Labour party chair, told the public that "Nigel Farage must urgently tell the public whether he was aware of Councillor Magdwick’s arrest" and whether she was aware of the allegations.
Phillipson added, "If he was, the Reform leader must explain why he thought it was appropriate for Madgwick to stand for his party" as the case moved toward court. Reform UK said Madgwick had been suspended with immediate effect, and the BBC said the local authority stated that being charged with a criminal offence did not disqualify a councillor from office under the rules of the Local Government Act 1972.