Green Party calls for George Madgwick to resign over criminal charges

Portsmouth and Havant Green Party has called for George Madgwick to resign as a councillor following serious criminal charges.

The former Reform UK Portsmouth and Hampshire councillor, who is now standing as an independent, was last week charged with 35 offences by officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Operation Amberstone team.

The charges include 12 counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, two counts of making indecent images of a child and one count of distributing indecent images of a child.

The allegations relate to four victims, who were aged between 16 and 17 at the time. The alleged offences took place between 2008 and 2021 in Portsmouth and Wales.

A Portsmouth Green Party spokesperson said it “stands in solidarity with all victims and survivors of rape, sexual assault, abuse, and exploitation.

“We are calling on Councillor Madgwick to resign immediately from his positions on Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council following the 35 criminal charges brought against him.

“Portsmouth Green Party fully recognise that these are charges, not convictions, and that Cllr Madgwick is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

“The criminal justice process must now be allowed to take its course without prejudice.

“However, elected office carries significant responsibilities and requires the confidence of the communities it serves. Given the seriousness and number of the charges, we do not believe it is appropriate for Cllr Madgwick to continue representing residents while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

“The residents of Paulsgrove and North East Havant deserve representatives who are able to focus fully on their communities and the responsibilities of public office.

“In the interests of the individuals who have come forward, constituents, public confidence and the integrity of elected office, Portsmouth Green Party is therefore calling on Cllr Madgwick to step down from his positions on both councils with immediate effect.”

The Green Party has no elected members on Portsmouth City Council, but has five members on Havant Borough Council and one representative on Hampshire County Council.

Madgwick is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 25, 2026.

In a social media post, he 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.

“I considered it responsible to resign as Reform UK leader in Hampshire Council and I will continue as an independent, on Hampshire & Portsmouth, until I’m cleared.

“I will not make any further statement now, or in the future, on this in any capacity. I will deactivate my social media shortly until due process has concluded.”