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CPS confirm Tory MP to be charged over election fraud investigation

Tory candidate Craig Mackinlay (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Tory candidate Craig Mackinlay (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

A Conservative candidate standing for re-election in next week’s General Election has been charged following a probe into election fraud.

Craig Mackinlay, who won the seat of South Thanet in 2015, was charged with offences under the Representation of the People Act 1983 after a probe into election spending during the campaign.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said he is due to appear in court on June 4.

A spokesperson added: “We have concluded there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to authorise charges against three people.

“Craig Mackinlay, 50, Nathan Gray, 28, and Marion Little, 62, have each been charged with offences under the Representation of the People Act 1983.”

A spokesman for the Conservative Party pointed to “politically motivated and unfounded complaints” against party candidates who have now been told no further action will be taken.

“We continue to believe that this remaining allegation is unfounded,” they said.

“Our candidate has made clear that there was no intention by him or his campaigners to engage in any inappropriate activity. We believe that they have done nothing wrong, and we are confident that this will be proven as the matter progresses.”