Full Breakdown
Reform UK Council Leader Arrested Over Alleged False Nomination Statements
By Drooid · · How we work
Arrest of a Council Group Leader
On 24 September, Cambridgeshire Police arrested Ryan Coogan, a 42-year-old Reform UK councillor from Waterbeach, on suspicion of making false statements in nomination papers for the May 7 local elections. He was released on bail and is required to appear at Milton Police Station on 22 December. The police investigation remains ongoing.
Election Background and Council Role
Coogan was elected to represent the Ramsey ward on Huntingdonshire District Council in the 7 May elections, a contest that saw Reform UK become the authority’s third-largest party. The council is currently led by the Liberal Democrats in a minority coalition with independents. Prior to his council seat, Coogan stood as Reform UK’s candidate in the 2025 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayoral election, finishing second.
Official Responses
- Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the arrest and stated, “We are investigating Ryan following an allegation of false statements on a candidate nomination paper at May's HDC elections. Investigation remains ongoing.”
- Huntingdonshire District Council said it could not comment further while the police inquiry is active.
- Reform UK has been approached for comment but has not provided a response.
Legal Context and Potential Penalties
The Electoral Commission outlines that providing a false statement on a nomination paper in England and Wales can result in an unlimited fine or up to one year’s imprisonment. Candidates must submit three documents—nomination form, home address form, and consent to nomination—detailing personal information and qualifying addresses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A 42-year-old man from Waterbeach was arrested on 24 September on suspicion of making false statements in nomination papers. He has since been released on bail to return to Milton Police Station on 22 December.” — Ryan Coogan
- “We are investigating Ryan following an allegation of false statements on a candidate nomination paper at May's HDC elections. Investigation remains ongoing.” — police