Craig Mackinlay, pictured with his wife Kati, has denied fiddling his election expenses when he went up against Ukip’s Nigel Farage
A Tory MP has denied fiddling his expenses during the 2015 general election campaign.
Craig Mackinlay, 50, and his team are accused of failing to declare expenses during the party’s 2015 campaign to see off Ukip leader Nigel Farage in South Thanet, Kent.
Mackinlay secured a majority of just over 2,800 following a tense campaign with 38% of the vote.
But he and members of his campaign allegedly did not declare spending on hotel rooms and advertising materials for Tory party staff, activists and volunteers.
Mackinlay arrived at the Old Bailey today wearing a grey suit, blue tie and white shirt, alongside campaign agent Nathan Gray, 28, and senior Tory campaign director Marion Little, 62.
After confirming his name, Mackinlay denied two charges of a candidate knowingly making a false declaration of his election expenses.
Mackinlay’s wife Kati sat in the public gallery as he entered his not guilty pleas.
Gray denied one count of using a false instrument to make a false expenses declaration, and one count of making a false declaration.
Little denied three charges, two connected to aiding and abetting Mackinlay in his alleged wrongdoing, and one connected to Gray.
Mackinlay’s wife Kati sat in the dock of the Old Bailey as her husband entered his pleas
Mackinlay (right) beat Nigel Farage (left) and comedian Al Murray to the seat in 2015
The charges all relate to their campaign ahead of the June 2015 election.
Mr Justice Anthony Edis earlier set the trial date for May 14, with an estimated length of six weeks.
Mackinlay, of Ramsgate, Kent, denies two counts of a candidate knowingly making a false declaration of his election expenses.
Gray, of Cranbrook, Kent, denies making a false declaration in relation to his role as Mackinlay’s agent and using a false instrument.
Little, of Ware, Hertforshire, denies two charges of aiding and abetting Mackinlay in his alleged wrongdoing, and one like charge relating to Gray.
All three were released on bail ahead of a further hearing on February 12.
Campaign agent Nathan Gray (left) and campaign director Marion Little (right) face charges
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.