George Madgwick, the leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, has been charged with 35 offences, including 12 counts of rape, against four victims over a 13-year period. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced on Tuesday that the charges relate to incidents between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales.
Details of the Charges
The 37-year-old, from the Anchorage Park area of Portsmouth, faces a total of 35 charges. These include:
- 12 counts of rape
- Two counts of assault by penetration
- Two counts of sexual assault
- Two counts of making indecent images of a child
- Two counts of controlling or coercive behaviour
- Eight counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- One count each of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child, distributing an indecent image of a child, stalking, making threats to kill, false imprisonment, theft, and criminal damage
The CPS stated that the victims were aged 16 and 17 at the time of the offences. Madgwick is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November.
Reform UK Suspends Madgwick
Reform UK has suspended Madgwick with immediate effect. In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday evening, Madgwick said he was "shocked and dismayed" by the charges. He declared, "Whilst the charges are extremely serious, I will say unequivocally that I am innocent of the allegations against me." He added that due process must take its course and the legal process must be followed without hindrance.
Madgwick also confirmed that he will continue as an independent councillor on Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council.
Police Investigation and Timeline
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said its investigation began on 24 July 2025 after receiving a report of a sexual offence. Madgwick was first arrested on 6 January 2026 and was charged by the CPS on Tuesday.
A CPS spokesperson emphasised that prosecutors have established sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to bring the case to court. They reminded all concerned that proceedings are active and that the defendant has the right to a fair trial, warning against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the case.
Political Career and Recent Controversy
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 arrest.
Hampshire County Council said it is aware of the "extremely serious allegations" but would not comment further while criminal proceedings are under way. The council noted that being charged with a criminal offence does not disqualify a councillor from office.
Last month, Madgwick appeared in the ITV News Exposure documentary "Undercover: A Year In Reform," after which he accused the broadcaster of "electoral interference." In the programme, he was shown voicing support for the Portsmouth Patriots anti-immigration group. He later issued a statement suggesting that undercover reporters may have had an "impact on the result" of council elections.
