Cambridgeshire UKIP candidate Hugh Mennie to be charged over false statements in nomination papers

“Following an investigation by Cambridgeshire Police, we have decided that Hugh Mennie, who ran as a UKIP candidate in a local Council election in May 2013, should be charged with making false statements in a nomination form.

“It is alleged that Hugh Mennie falsified details on a nomination paper in order to stand for election to Cambridgeshire County Council. The nomination paper requires a proposer, a seconder and eight other signatures from “assenters” - people who live in the election catchment area. It is alleged that three of these assenter nomination signatures were forged.

“Having carefully considered all available evidence, I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to charge Hugh Mennie with one count of causing or permitting a false statement to appear in a nomination paper. This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

“Hugh Mennie has been summonsed to face criminal charges and will appear before Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on 5 September.

“Criminal proceedings are now underway and Hugh Mennie has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial.”