Full Breakdown
Police Probe Alleged False Statements on Nomination Papers of Newly Elected Reform UK Councillor Ryan Coogan
5/19/2026, 1:57:35 AM
Core Event: Investigation Launched
On 7 May 2024, Ryan Coogan was elected to represent the Ramsey ward on Huntingdonshire District Council. Cambridgeshire Police have opened an investigation into “an allegation of false statements on a candidate nomination paper” related to Coogan’s election. The force confirmed the inquiry is ongoing but has not disclosed the specific nature of the alleged false statements.
Background: Reform UK’s Breakthrough in Huntingdonshire
The May local elections marked Reform UK’s first successful council candidates in Huntingdonshire. The party secured 10 of the 52 seats, becoming the third-largest grouping on the authority. The Liberal Democrats emerged as the largest party with 20 seats, while the Conservatives hold the second-largest bloc. No party achieved an overall majority, and formal coalition talks have not yet been announced.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ryan Coogan – Newly elected councillor for Ramsey, leader of the Reform UK group on the council, and former Reform candidate in the 2025 Cambridgeshire & Peterborough mayoral race, where he finished second to Conservative Paul Bristow.
- Reform UK – A right-leaning political party that, after the May election, holds ten seats on Huntingdonshire District Council.
- Cambridgeshire Police – The law-enforcement body conducting the investigation into the nomination paperwork.
- Huntingdonshire District Council – The local authority where the election took place; its spokesperson confirmed awareness of the police referral but declined further comment pending the investigation’s outcome.
Election Data & Council Composition
Official Statements & Responses
Cambridgeshire Police issued a statement confirming they are “investigating an allegation of false statements on a candidate nomination paper and the investigation is ongoing.” The council’s spokesperson said the authority is “aware of a police referral in relation to the recent district council elections” and that “as this matter is a live investigation, it would not be appropriate for the council or the returning officer to comment further at this stage.” Ryan Coogan told the BBC he would share any information he receives about the allegation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The police have not disclosed the specific false statements alleged, and the council has refrained from providing further details. Consequently, the precise nature of the alleged breach and its potential impact on Coogan’s eligibility remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It would appear you know a lot more than I do.” — Ryan Coogan, newly elected councillor
- “As soon as I have any info myself with regards to the detail in your email, I will be sure to let you know.” — Ryan Coogan
- “We are investigating an allegation of false statements on a candidate nomination paper and the investigation is ongoing.” — Cambridgeshire Police
- “We are aware of a police referral in relation to the recent district council elections.” — Huntingdonshire District Council spokesperson
- “As this matter is a live investigation, it would not be appropriate for the council or the returning officer to comment further at this stage.” — Council spokesperson
What’s Next
Huntingdonshire District Council’s annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, where the composition of the authority and any potential coalition arrangements will be discussed. The police investigation continues, and further updates are expected once the inquiry reaches a conclusion.
