Ex-Conservative MP David Mackintosh not guilty over election donations

A former Conservative MP has been found not guilty of failing to disclose the true source of political donations in the first ever trial of its kind.

David Mackintosh, ex-MP for Northampton South, was cleared of failing to disclose the true source of donations to Northampton South Conservative Association (NSCA) in 2014.

His co-defendant, Howard Grossman, was also cleared.

The verdicts followed a month-long trial at Warwick Crown Court.

Mrs Justice Eady had earlier told the jury she would accept a majority verdict of 10 or 11.

This was the first ever Crown Court trial for offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA), which was introduced as part of the constitutional reform implemented by the 1997 Labour Government.

It followed recommendations made by the Committee on Standards in Public Life which were designed to make politics more transparent.

PPERA includes measures on party registration, political donations and campaign expenditure.

Mr Mackintosh, 44, of Station Court, Northampton represented Northampton South for the Conservatives between 2015 and 2017.

He and Mr Grossman, 61, of Greenaces, Bushey, Hertfordshire, both denied the charges against them.