Reform UK councillor charged with 12 counts of rape and multiple other offences

CPS urges caution

A CPS spokesperson said the service had decided to prosecute Madgwick for serious sexual offences, including multiple rape counts. The spokesperson also said the case was now active and that the defendant was entitled to a fair trial. The CPS urged people not to publish commentary or share material that could prejudice the proceedings.

Political career and reaction

Madgwick entered politics as an independent on Portsmouth city council, winning a seat in 2021. He joined Reform UK in 2025 and became a Hampshire councillor the following year, representing North East Havant. Labour party chair Bridget Phillipson described the charges as “truly shocking.” She called on Nigel Farage to say whether he knew of Madgwick’s arrest or the allegations.

Earlier Portsmouth appearance

In September, masked protesters linked to far-right activist Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, blocked roads in Portsmouth during the arrival of asylum seekers on small boats. Madgwick was there and spoke to the media.

He said he had contacted the hotel to try to mediate between staff and the crowd. He described the episode as a “massively unfortunate incident,” while saying he understood why it had happened in light of recent coverage of asylum seekers arriving by small boats.