Tory MP faces jury trial over election expenses

A Conservative MP who beat Nigel Farage into second place with a majority of almost 3,000 to become the MP for South Thanet in 2015 faces a jury trial on charges over his general election expenses.

Craig Mackinlay, 50, is accused of offences under the Representation of the People Act 1983 alongside campaign director Marion Little, 62, and election agent Nathan Gray, 28.

Last month, Mackinlay held on to the Kent seat with an increased majority of 6,387.

All three defendants, who pleaded not guilty, were released on bail ahead of their next appearance at Southwark Crown Court on August 1.