Tory candidate Craig Mackinlay charged over 2015 election expenses: Prosecutors' statement in full
"On 18 April we received a file of evidence from Kent Police concerning allegations relating to Conservative Party expenditure during the 2015 General Election campaign," stated the Crown Prosecution Service
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tory candidate Craig Mackinlay has been charged with offences under the Representation of the People Act 1983 after an investigation into 2015 general election campaign expenses
Here is the statement in full by Nick Vamos, Crown Prosecution Service Head of Special Crime:
"On 18 April we received a file of evidence from Kent Police concerning allegations relating to Conservative Party expenditure during the 2015 General Election campaign.
"We then asked for additional enquiries to be made in advance of the 11 June statutory time limit by when any charges needed to be authorised.
"Those enquiries have now been completed and we have considered the evidence in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
"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 and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 4 July 2017.
"Criminal proceedings have now commenced and it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments