Matthew Cordy reveals why he quit reform UK following Madgwick charges
Hilsea councillor Matthew Cordy confirms he has left Reform UK to become independent
Portsmouth Councillor Matthew Cordy has revealed he has left Reform UK after considering quitting for “several months”, with George Madgwick’s charges proving the final straw.
A former Reform UK councillor has explained why he left the party following charges brought against Hampshire and Portsmouth councillor George Madgwick.
On Tuesday, November 3, Cllr Madgwick was charged with 35 offences, including 12 counts of rape.
Yesterday, Portsmouth City Council’s website listed Cllr Madgwick as a non-aligned independent.
On the same day, former Reform UK councillor Matthew Cordy, who represents Hilsea ward, has also been listed as a non-aligned independent.
The changes prompted widespread speculation about whether Cllr Cordy’s decision was connected to the charges against Cllr Madgwick.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Cordy said: “I had been considering leaving Reform UK for several months. I discussed this with the Portsmouth Reform leader and was persuaded to stay.
“However, following the charges brought against Cllr George Madgwick, I decided to that the right thing for me was to leave Reform UK.
“I have now left the party and will focus solely on the local issues affecting the residents of Hilsea.
“My priority is to represent the people of Hilsea and work on the issues that matter to them and I believe that going forward I can best do this an independent councillor.”
Cllr Cordy was elected in May 2024 as a member of the Portsmouth Independent Party before defecting to Reform UK in October last year.
Cllr Madgwick is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, where he will be prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.
As previously reported, Cllr Madgwick said he was “shocked and dismayed” at the charges, adding: “whilst the charges are extremely serious, I will say unequivocally that I am innocent of the allegations against me”.
In a statement he said: “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.”
The council is now made up of 23 Liberal Democrats, 10 Reform UK members, three Conservatives, three Labour members and three independents.