Decision Pending Whether Or Not to Charge Cllr Clive Goddard for Electoral Violations

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On Oct 17th 2019, we informed you that Cllr Clive Goddard (pictured),  Councillor for Walland and Dengemarsh since 2007 was interviewed under caution at Folkestone Police Station in respect of an allegation that he supplied false information to the Folkestone & Hythe District Council Returning Officer, Dr Susan Priest, in relation to the 2019 Local Government Elections, held in May of this year. We stress being interviewed under caution does not imply guilt.

In late Oct 2019, we understand that an initial prosecution report regarding Cllr Goddard was sent to the Specialist Crown Prosecution Service reviewing lawyer.

As a result of the lawyer’s initial review, a fully evidenced prosecution file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service team in London in December 2019.

As of Jan 2020 a decision whether or not to go ahead and prosecute Cllr Goddard is pending.

Cllr Goddard is Chairman of the Planning Committee and in 2018/19 received in allowances and expenses approx £12,500.

A variety of sources inside and outside the Council say that the allegation was that he was not qualified to be nominated as a candidate for Walland & Denge Marsh Ward, as he resided in Hastings and not Lydd, as we understand.

We stress again Cllr Goddard is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law for any potential election violations.

The Shepwayvox Team

Dissent is NOT a Crime