Reform UK names new Hampshire leader after George Madgwick suspended

Reform UK in Hampshire is under new leadership after its former leader was suspended due to being charged with 35 offences including rape.

Councillor George Madgwick, group leader on Hampshire County Council, was last week suspended by the party after Hampshire police confirmed the charges.

Now Cllr Terry Norton, who was deputy leader, has taken over as leader. Cllr Norton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I am now leading the Reform UK Group at Hampshire County Council.”

He also confirmed the group has put forward names to fill the committee and representative positions left vacated by Cllr Madgwick.

Cllr Norton, who was previously deputy police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, said: “We have notified Democratic Services of our nominations for the vacant committee and representative positions. The council will confirm the formal appointment arrangements and timetable.”

Reform UK suspended Cllr Madgwick with immediate effect on November 3 after he was charged with 35 offences.

Following his suspension from the party, he said he resigned as leader and as a member of the Reform UK group at the county council.

He remains an elected county councillor but now sits as an unaffiliated member.

Cllr Madgwick, who also represents Paulsgrove at Portsmouth City Council, also gave up a number of county roles, including chairman and member of the corporate services and resources select committee.

He resigned as a deputy member of the audit committee, pension fund panel and board and universal services select committee.

He also left roles with the Hampshire and the Solent County Combined Authority Board, County Councils Network, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Government Association and Local Government Association General Assembly.

His seat on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority belonged to the Reform UK group under the council’s rules on how seats are shared between political groups.

The county council previously said the new Reform leader would decide who takes the seat.

Setting out his priorities as leader, Cllr Norton said: “Hampshire residents pay enough. They deserve a council that makes every pound count, fixes the roads and delivers the services families rely on.

“We will challenge waste, demand answers and put residents first, helping restore pride in our neighbourhoods and confidence in local services.”

He added: “My focus as leader is on bringing our group together and turning the trust residents have placed in us into effective action.”

Cllr Madgwick, 37, was charged on November 3 with 35 offences relating to four complainants between 2008 and 2021.

They include 12 counts of rape, eight counts of actual bodily harm and offences including sexual assault, assault by penetration, controlling and coercive behaviour, stalking and threats to kill.

He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 25.

Cllr Madgwick has denied the allegations, saying he was “shocked and dismayed” by the charges and adding: “I will say unequivocally that I am innocent of the allegations against me.”