Police probe Reform councillor's election papers

Police are investigating a newly elected Reform UK councillor's nomination papers over alleged false statements.

Ryan Coogan, the new leader of the Reform group at Huntingdonshire District Council, was elected to represent the Ramsey ward after the local elections on 7 May.

He had been the party's candidate in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough mayoral election in 2025, finishing second behind the Conservatives' Paul Bristow.

When contacted by the BBC, Coogan said: "It would appear you know a lot more than I do." Reform has been contacted for comment. The council said it was "aware of a police referral".

Cambridgeshire Police said in a statement: "We are investigating an allegation of false statements on a candidate nomination paper and the investigation is ongoing."

The force confirmed the investigation related to Coogan and the recent elections, but it has not confirmed the nature of the alleged false statements.

Coogan told the BBC: "As soon as I have any info myself with regards to the detail in your email, I will be sure to let you know."

Reform won its first councillors on the authority in this month's elections, becoming the third-largest party, with 10 of the 52 seats.

The Liberal Democrats are the largest party on 20, followed by the Conservatives, but no party has a majority and no formal announcements about any coalitions have been made.

The council's annual meeting will take place on Thursday evening.

A council spokesperson said: "We are aware of a police referral in relation to the recent district council elections.

"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."

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