Hampshire councillor charged with rape says he is innocent

The Crown Prosecution Service has charged George Madgwick, 37, a councillor in Hampshire and Portsmouth, with 35 offences, including 12 counts of rape and two of sexual assault.

The charges relate to four complainants and alleged offences between 2008 and 2021, the CPS said. Police say the alleged offences took place in Portsmouth and Wales. Other charges include assault by penetration, controlling or coercive behaviour, and making and distributing indecent images of a child.

In a statement reported by The News in Portsmouth, Madgwick said he was “shocked and dismayed” by the charges and was innocent of the allegations. He said he had resigned as leader of Reform UK’s group on Hampshire County Council and would continue as an independent councillor on both the county council and Portsmouth City Council.

Reform UK said it had suspended him from the party with immediate effect.

Police said their investigation began in July 2025 and Madgwick was arrested in January 2026. He was elected to Hampshire County Council in May, according to the BBC. Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson has asked whether Reform leader Nigel Farage knew of the arrest or allegations before Madgwick stood for the party.

Madgwick is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 25 November. The CPS said he has the right to a fair trial.