Reform member found guilty over false statements about rival

Andy Osborn was found guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court for making or publishing a false statement under the Representation of the People Act 1983, despite claiming his account was hacked, according to the BBC.

Osborn, who was elected last May to Cambridgeshire County Council, was ordered to pay £1,800, comprising a £1,000 fine, £400 costs and a £400 surcharge.

The claim centred around a social media post he made in the lead-up to the 2025 local elections, in which he stated: "Samantha Hoy worked in the care industry but allegedly was sacked for fraud no wonder Wisbech is in such a state. Reform UK will fix it."

Cllr Hoy, a Conservative councillor at Fenland District Council, works in the care industry and has never been sacked or faced fraud allegations.

It is understood that Osborn told the court that he did not make the statement, claiming his account was hacked.

Cllr Hoy, who gave evidence at the hearing, told Local Government Lawyer she was "very pleased" by the conviction, adding: "I believe this is only the second case in history relating to local government which I feel shows how strong the case was against him."

Commenting on social media, she said Osborn was given many opportunities to retract his statement and apologise, but he refused.

She added: "His claim that he was hacked was described by the Judge (in summing up) as 'nonsense'."

Commenting on the decision, a Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the court outcome involving Cllr Andy Osborn, we’re currently waiting to hear from the court about his disqualification and then we will take the necessary steps with regards to his position as a county councillor.”

Adam Carey