The key facts
- George Madgwick, leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, faces 35 charges against four complainants who were aged 16 and 17 at the time of the alleged events
- According to the prosecution, the offences took place between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales
- The police investigation began on 24 July 2025 after a report of a sexual offence; the first arrest was on 6 January 2026
Charges announced
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, charged George Madgwick, the 37-year-old leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, BBC News reports. He faces 35 counts against four complainants who were aged 16 and 17 at the time of the alleged events. According to the prosecution, the offences were committed between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales.
The charges
The overall list includes 12 counts of rape, two counts each of sexual penetration and 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. Also charged are one count each of causing a child to be sexually exploited, distributing an indecent image of a child, stalking, threats to kill, false imprisonment, theft, and criminal damage to property.
Course of the investigation and upcoming dates
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the investigation began on 24 July 2025 after a report of a sexual offence was received. Madgwick was first arrested on 6 January 2026, and the CPS charged him on Tuesday. He lives in the Anchorage Park area of Portsmouth and is due to appear before Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November. The charges have not yet been proven in court; the report does not state Madgwick's position on the allegations.
George Madgwick is the leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council
