George Madgwick, the leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, has been charged with 35 offences including 12 counts of rape, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Tuesday. The charges, which relate to four victims aged 16 and 17 at the time, are alleged to have taken place between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales. Madgwick denies the allegations and is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November.
Madgwick, 37, faces a total of 35 charges, including 12 counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, two of sexual assault, two of making indecent images of children, one of distributing an indecent image of a child, one of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child, and two of controlling or coercive behaviour. He also faces charges of stalking, making threats to kill, false imprisonment, theft, criminal damage and eight counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
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 before being charged by the CPS on Tuesday.
In a statement posted on social media, Madgwick said: "I am shocked and dismayed at the charges brought against me. Whilst the charges are extremely serious, I will say unequivocally that I am innocent of the allegations against me. Due process must take its course and the legal process must be followed without hindrance." He said he would continue as an independent councillor on Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council.
A CPS spokesperson said: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to bring the case to court. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial. There should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
A Reform UK spokesman said: "Cllr Madgwick has been suspended from Reform UK with immediate effect."
Madgwick, who represents North East Havant on Hampshire County Council and Paulsgrove on Portsmouth City Council, was elected to the county council by a large margin in May, months after his arrest. Last month, he featured in the ITV News Exposure documentary Undercover: A Year In Reform, after which he accused the broadcaster of electoral interference.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- A leading local Reform UK figure faces serious criminal charges, potentially affecting the party's reputation and electoral standing.
- The charges involve multiple young victims and a wide range of offences over 13 years, highlighting concerns about safeguarding.
- Madgwick remains an independent councillor while proceedings are active, raising questions about council governance protocols.
Background
George Madgwick is the leader of Reform UK in Hampshire and was elected to Hampshire County Council in May 2026, months after his first arrest. He also sits on Portsmouth City Council. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has gained prominence in recent years. Madgwick was previously involved in a protest outside a Portsmouth hotel where Pakistan's under-19 cricket team was mistakenly believed to be asylum seekers.
Key Perspectives
George Madgwick: Statements he is "shocked and dismayed" by the charges and "unequivocally" innocent, insisting on due process.
Crown Prosecution Service: Maintains there is sufficient evidence to prosecute and it is in the public interest, while reminding the public not to prejudice proceedings.
Reform UK: Suspended Madgwick "with immediate effect" upon learning of the charges.
What to Watch
- Madgwick's appearance at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November.
- Whether further charges or victims come forward as the investigation continues.
- Any decisions by Hampshire County Council or Portsmouth City Council regarding his continued role as an independent councillor.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedMadgwick was charged with 35 offences, including 12 counts of rape.BBC News: “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.”
- SupportedThe charges concern four victims who were aged 16 and 17 at the time, and are alleged to have taken place between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales.BBC News: “The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had charged George Madgwick with the offences, which it said took place between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales. It said the 37-year-old faced charges including rape, sexual assault, controlling or coercive behaviour, and making indecent images of a child against four victims - who were aged 16 and 17 at the time.”
- SupportedMadgwick said, “I am shocked and dismayed at the charges brought against me. Whilst the charges are extremely serious, I will say unequivocally that I am innocent of the allegations against me.”BBC News: “I am shocked and dismayed at the charges brought against me. "Whilst the charges are extremely serious, I will say unequivocally that I am innocent of the allegations against me.”
- SupportedMadgwick is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November.BBC News: “Madgwick, who is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November, denies any wrongdoing.”
- SupportedReform UK said Madgwick had been suspended from the party with immediate effect.BBC News: “Reform UK said he had been suspended from the party "with immediate effect".”
- SupportedMadgwick is 37.BBC News: “It said the 37-year-old faced charges including rape, sexual assault, controlling or coercive behaviour, and making indecent images of a child against four victims”
- SupportedHampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said its investigation began on 24 July 2025 after it received a report of a sexual offence.BBC News: “Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said its investigation into Madgwick began on 24 July 2025, after receiving a report of a sexual offence.”
- SupportedThe force said Madgwick was first arrested on 6 January 2026 before the CPS charged him on Tuesday.BBC News: “The force said it first arrested him on 6 January 2026, before he was charged by the CPS on Tuesday.”
- SupportedMadgwick said he would continue as an independent councillor on Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council.BBC News: “He said he will continue as an independent councillor on Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council.”
- SupportedA CPS spokesperson said prosecutors found sufficient evidence and considered it in the public interest to bring the case to court.BBC News: “Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to bring the case to court.”
- SupportedA Reform UK spokesman said, “Cllr Madgwick has been suspended from Reform UK with immediate effect.”BBC News: “Reform UK said he had been suspended from the party "with immediate effect".”
- SupportedMadgwick accused ITV of “electoral interference” after appearing in its documentary Undercover: A Year In Reform last month.BBC News: “Last month, he featured in the the ITV News Exposure documentary Undercover: A Year In Reform - after which he accused the broadcaster of "electoral interference".”