The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised police to charge the former Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner candidate with making a false declaration. 

In May, Jonathan Seed was elected to be the Swindon and Wiltshire PCC after it was revealed he could not take up office due to a historic drink driving offence. 

After the elections Wiltshire Police asked Thames Valley Police to head up an investigation into the circumstances around the vote – and in July sought the advice of the CPS. 

Rosemary Ainslie, head of Special Crime at the CPS, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised police to charge Jonathan Seed with making a false declaration in the nomination papers for the Wiltshire 2020 Police & Crime Commissioner elections.

“The charge relates to an allegation that he made a false declaration that he was not disqualified from election as a Police & Crime Commissioner.

 “The CPS made the decision that he should be charged after reviewing a file of evidence from Thames Valley Police.

 “The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial. 

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice proceedings.”