- Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has sacked the party’s general secretary, Tom Waterhouse, despite an official party statement claiming Mr Waterhouse stepped down to spend more time with his family.
- Senior party sources revealed the dismissal occurred after Mr Waterhouse failed to inform leadership that Hampshire council candidate George Madgwick was arrested in January before being charged with 35 criminal offences, including 12 counts of rape.
- The lack of disclosure allowed Mr Madgwick to stand in the local elections, become the Reform UK group leader on Hampshire County Council, and feature in campaign materials alongside senior party figures.
- Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson criticised Reform UK and Nigel Farage, claiming Mr Waterhouse was merely becoming the latest fall-guy for the party's accumulating scandals.
- Mr Madgwick is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on 25 November following a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary investigation into allegations involving four victims.
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