UK prosecutors charge Reform councillor with 12 counts of rape
The charges against George Madgwick, including 12 counts of rape, concern four complainants. Reform UK says it has suspended him with immediate effect, and he is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November.
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The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that George Madgwick, a Reform UK councillor, has been charged with 12 counts of rape and other offenses following a police investigation.
Madgwick leads Reform UK on Hampshire County Council and is a Portsmouth councillor who also leads the Reform group there, the Guardian said.
The CPS said the investigation concerned four complainants, aged 16 and 17 at the time. The offenses are alleged to have occurred in Portsmouth and Wales between 2008 and 2021.
The other charges
Alongside the rape allegations, the CPS set out the following charges:
| Group | Offenses and counts |
|---|---|
| Other sexual offenses | 2 counts of assault by penetration; 2 of sexual assault; 1 of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child. |
| Child-image offenses | 2 counts of making an indecent image of a child; 1 of distributing an indecent image of a child. |
| Violence and coercive behavior | 8 counts of actual bodily harm; 2 of controlling and coercive behavior; 1 of making threats to kill; 1 of false imprisonment. |
| Other offenses | 1 count each of stalking, criminal damage and theft. |
Suspension and court appearance
The CPS said prosecutors had established sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that prosecution was in the public interest. It said proceedings were active, emphasized Madgwick’s right to a fair trial and warned against reporting, commentary or sharing information that could prejudice the case.
Reform UK said it had suspended Madgwick from the party with immediate effect. He is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 25 November 2026.
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