Craig Mackinlay: Conservative MP cleared of election expenses fraud during 2015 campaign

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Speaking outside Southwark Crown Court following his acquittal, Mr Mackinlay described the trial as a “dreadful” time for his family. “This has been a really tough time as you can imagine for my wife, for my family and for friends, and for the association, and to them I would like to thank them for the support throughout, every single day.” The court had previously heard how “the law was simply abandoned” by Tory officials during the campaign, as the party became increasingly focused on defeating Mr Farage at a time when Ukip was enjoying a surge in popularity. open image in gallery Tory party worker Marion Little was found guilty of assisting or encouraging an offence Mr Mackinlay, of Ramsgate, told jurors his aides had been cautious over the election budget, fearing a challenge by Mr Farage. “I'm quite satisfied that of those who worked on the Mackinlay campaign, she was the author and origin of this falsehood.” Mr Mackinlay eventually secured the South Thanet seat by a majority of 2,800 over Mr Farage in what was described during the trial as a “nasty” campaign.