New trial date set for South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay

Craig Mackinlay

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay and two former aides will go on trial on charges of false election expense declarations in October.

Mr Mackinlay, 51, election agent Nathan Gray, 29, and party activist Marion Little, 63, were each charged with offences under the Representation of the People Act 1983 in relation to expense declarations during the 2015 General Election.

The accusations relate to the local election spend during the Conservative campaign in 2015.

The trial had been due to begin at Southwark Crown Court on May 14 and was scheduled for six weeks.

This was delayed while a pre-trial appeal was heard by Lady Hale (President), Lord Mance, Lord Hughes, Lord Hodge and Lord Lloyd-Jones at the Supreme Court. A judgement on that appeal was issued on July 25.

Today (August 8) a hearing at the Old Bailey set the new trial date for October 15 at Southwark Crown Court. There will be a pre-trial hearing on September 14.