Full Breakdown
Alleged Computer Misuse in Croydon Labour Candidate Selection
6/17/2026, 9:14:23 PM
Core Allegations and Charges
Gabriel Leroy, a 24-year-old former Labour councillor, pleaded guilty to conspiracy under the Criminal Law Act and the Computer Misuse Act. Prosecutors allege that a PDF and Excel file, presented as Joel Bodmer’s telephone records, were fabricated and that a call to the Labour Party support team was deleted. Joel Bodmer, his wife Shila Bodmer, and former Croydon councillor Carole Bonner each face similar charges; Bodmer also faces a perverting the course of justice count.
Background, Timeline, and Context
The Labour Party halted the Croydon East candidate selection in November 2023 after alleged irregularities. A new selection was held four months later without Bodmer. In April 2026 the four individuals were charged. The trial of Bodmer, Shila Bodmer and Bonner is set for 5 February 2029, lasting four to five weeks; sentencing for Leroy is pending, likely in 2029.
Principal Actors
Key individuals are Gabriel Leroy (former Southend Labour councillor), Joel Bodmer (regional organiser for Unison and former Croydon East candidate), Shila Bodmer, and Carole Bonner (former Croydon councillor). Institutional actors include the Labour Party, Unison, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Metropolitan Police Service, and Judge Justin Cole.
Legal Framework and Potential Penalties
The charges invoke the Criminal Law Act, the Computer Misuse Act, and perverting the course of justice. These statutes carry criminal penalties, though sentencing ranges are not specified in the sources.
Implications for Party Governance
The case exposes weaknesses in Labour’s candidate-selection process and may prompt reforms to improve oversight, data security, and member confidence.
Official Responses
Labour described the charges as “incredibly serious,” citing an internal investigation and police referral. Unison confirmed Bodmer is on unpaid leave. CPS prosecutor Frank Ferguson said evidence was sufficient, emphasized public interest, and warned against prejudicial reporting.
Conflicting Reports and Outstanding Questions
Sentencing dates are not set, and the 2029 trial leaves a long gap between charges and adjudication. The scope of any further Labour disciplinary action beyond suspension remains undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ In April 2026, when the four were charged, Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division said: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.” — Frank Ferguson, CPS
- “he had the authority to act” — Sean Caulfield, barrister for Joel Bodmer
- “A spokesperson for Unison said: "Joel Bodmer is an employee of the union and is currently on unpaid leave.” — Unison spokesperson
Next Steps
The February 2029 trial will determine culpability; sentencing will follow. Outcomes may shape Labour’s disciplinary rules and candidate-selection reforms.
