Reform UK Councillor George Madgwick Charged With 35 Offences Including Rape

George Madgwick, the Reform UK group leader on Hampshire County Council and a councillor representing North East Havant on the county council as well as Paulsgrove on Portsmouth City Council, has been charged with 35 criminal offences, according to details released by the Crown Prosecution Service and police forces. The extensive list of charges against the 37-year-old politician spans numerous categories of serious criminality, including 12 counts of rape.

Police and prosecutors state that the allegations involve four victims who were aged between 16 and 17 at the time the acts allegedly occurred. The timeline for the alleged offences stretches from 2008 to 2021, with locations spanning Portsmouth and Wales, as investigated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

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Reform councillor charged with 35 offences including 12 counts of rape

The investigation into Madgwick was initiated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on 24 July 2025, following an initial report of a sexual offence. Officers operating as part of the constabulary's Operation Amberstone team subsequently arrested Madgwick on 6 January 2026 at an address in Wandsworth, London. Following the formal charging decision, Reform UK acted rapidly. A party spokesperson confirmed that Madgwick had been suspended from the party with immediate effect.

Political pressure mounted quickly after the announcement. Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson publicly demanded answers from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, questioning whether the party leadership was previously aware of Madgwick's arrest and whether she was aware of the allegations. Phillipson asked why the Reform leader considered it appropriate for Madgwick to stand for the party, hold a local leadership role, and to work as a Reform member of staff.

Despite the gravity of the charges, local government rules mean Madgwick's status as an elected official remains technically intact for the time being. Hampshire County Council stated that it was aware of the extremely serious charges brought against Councillor George Madgwick, but noted that under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, simply being charged with a criminal offence does not automatically disqualify an individual from holding office. The local authority declined further comment given that criminal proceedings are now under way.

The Crown Prosecution Service has issued strict warnings regarding the public discussion of the case. Prosecutors emphasized that criminal proceedings are now active and that the defendant is entitled to a fair trial, urging members of the public and commentators to avoid reporting, commentary, or sharing any material that could in any way prejudice the court outcome.

Madgwick has been released on bail and is scheduled to make his first appearance before Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November.