Ex-police and crime commissioner charged over nomination papers

Conservative candidate Jonathon Seed was elected to the post in May but withdrew after a historic driving conviction came to light.

The Wiltshire councillor won a combined total of 47 per cent of the vote.

Thames Valley Police launched an investigation into the circumstances of the election and passed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Rosemary Ainslie, head of special crime at the CPS, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised police to charge Jonathon Seed with making a false declaration in the nomination papers for the Wiltshire 2020 police and crime commissioner elections.

“The charge relates to an allegation he made a false declaration that he was not disqualified from election as a police and crime commissioner.

“The CPS made the decision that he should be charged after reviewing a file of evidence from Thames Valley Police.

“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice proceedings.”

Mr Seed will appear before Oxford Magistrates’ Court next month.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “As this matter is now subject to criminal proceedings it would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”

A by-election was held for the post last month and Conservative Philip Wilkinson was elected.