Ex-police and crime commissioner Jonathon Seed charged over nomination papers

The former police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire has been charged with making a false declaration in his 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% 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.”

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