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The short version

  • George Madgwick, leader of Reform UK on Hampshire County Council, has been charged with 35 offenses including 12 counts of rape.
  • The Crown Prosecution Service alleges the crimes occurred between 2008 and 2021 involving four victims who were minors at the time.
  • Reform UK has suspended Madgwick immediately, and he is scheduled to appear in court in late November.

George Madgwick, the leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, has been formally charged with a series of serious sexual offenses. The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charges on Tuesday, marking a significant development in an investigation that began more than a year ago. Madgwick, who is 37 years old, faces a total of 35 counts related to crimes alleged to have taken place between 2008 and 2021.

The most severe allegations include 12 counts of rape. In addition to these charges, Madgwick is accused of two counts of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault. The prosecution also includes charges for making indecent images of a child, with specific counts for both making and distributing such material. These offenses are alleged to have occurred in Portsmouth and Wales.

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Beyond the sexual violence charges, Madgwick faces accusations of controlling or coercive behavior against victims. He is also charged with eight counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The breadth of the charges suggests a pattern of alleged misconduct that spans over a decade, involving multiple forms of physical and psychological abuse.

The Crown Prosecution Service stated that prosecutors determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed and that it was in the public interest to bring the case to court. A spokesperson emphasized that proceedings are now active and reminded the public that Madgwick has the right to a fair trial. The agency urged against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the legal process.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that their investigation launched on July 24, 2025, following a report of a sexual offense. Officers initially arrested Madgwick in Wandsworth, south-west London, on January 6, 2026. The formal charging by the CPS followed months of investigative work and review.

The allegations involve four victims who were aged 16 and 17 at the time of the incidents. The charges include one count each of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child, stalking, making threats to kill, false imprisonment, theft, and criminal damage. These additional counts highlight the complex nature of the alleged interactions between Madgwick and the victims.

In response to the charges, Reform UK announced that Madgwick has been suspended from the party with immediate effect. The decision reflects the severity of the allegations and the need for the party to distance itself from a member facing such serious criminal accusations. No further comment was provided regarding his future status within the organization.

Madgwick is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on November 25, 2026. The initial hearing will likely address bail and procedural matters before the case moves forward in the judicial system. Legal observers note that cases involving multiple victims and complex charges often require extensive pre-trial preparation.

The case underscores the challenges political parties face when members are accused of serious crimes. While the legal process remains ongoing, the suspension indicates an internal acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. The outcome of the trial will depend on the evidence presented in court and the ability of prosecutors to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

As the legal proceedings begin, attention will focus on how the court manages the sensitive nature of the charges involving minor victims. The CPS has stressed the importance of maintaining fairness throughout the process. The public awaits further developments as the case progresses through the magistrates' court system.

Sources behind this briefing

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