Key Points
- Former Labour MP Conor McGinn, aged 41, who resides in Lambeth, south London, has been charged with one count of sexual assault.
- The charge relates to an allegation made by a woman in July 2022.
- McGinn represented the constituency of St Helens North in Merseyside from 2015 until 2024.
- He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 27 February at 10am.
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the charging decision following a police investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police.
- Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Jessica Walker emphasised that criminal proceedings are active and that the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
- The CPS has warned against any reporting, commentary, or online sharing of information that could prejudice the proceedings.
- McGinn was suspended from the Labour Party in 2022 after a complaint was lodged against him.
- In response to his suspension at that time, McGinn told the Guardian that he had not been informed of the complaint’s details but was confident it was entirely unfounded, rejecting any suggestion of wrongdoing.
Lambeth (South London News) January 28, 2026 – Former Labour MP Conor McGinn has been charged with sexual assault, prosecutors announced on Wednesday. The 41-year-old, who lives in Lambeth and formerly represented St Helens North, faces one count linked to an allegation by a woman in July 2022. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 27 February.
Who is Conor McGinn and What Are the Charges?
Conor McGinn, a 41-year-old resident of Lambeth in south London, served as the Labour MP for St Helens North in Merseyside from 2015 to 2024. Prosecutors have charged him with one count of sexual assault in connection with an allegation reported by a woman in July 2022. As announced by the Crown Prosecution Service on 28 January 2026, McGinn is set to make his first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 27 February at 10am.
The charging decision follows a thorough police investigation led by the Metropolitan Police. Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Jessica Walker of the Crown Prosecution Service stated:
“The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to charge Conor McGinn with one count of sexual assault following a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault in July 2022.”
She added that the CPS had worked closely with the Metropolitan Police throughout the process.
Why Was Conor McGinn Suspended from Labour in 2022?
McGinn was suspended from the Labour Party in 2022 shortly after a complaint was made against him. At the time, as reported by the Guardian, McGinn said he had not been told the details of the complaint but was “confident that it is entirely unfounded” and rejected “any suggestion of wrongdoing”. This suspension came amid the initial stages of the investigation into the allegation now leading to formal charges.
The Labour Party has not issued a new statement following the charging announcement, maintaining its position from the time of suspension. McGinn’s political career, which spanned nearly a decade in Parliament, represented constituents in St Helens North, a traditionally safe Labour seat in Merseyside.
What Has the Crown Prosecution Service Said About the Case?
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Jessica Walker provided a clear statement on the CPS’s role. As reported across multiple outlets including the Daily Mail, she explained:
“We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation into the allegation.”
Walker stressed the importance of legal protections during active proceedings.
She continued:
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
This warning underscores the CPS’s commitment to ensuring a fair judicial process.
When and Where Will Conor McGinn Appear in Court?
McGinn is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 27 February 2026 at 10am. This initial hearing will mark the formal start of the legal proceedings following the CPS’s decision to authorise charges. Westminster Magistrates’ Court, located in central London, routinely handles high-profile cases involving public figures.
The timing aligns with standard procedures for such charges, allowing time for pre-trial preparations. No further details on the court’s specific plans or potential bail conditions have been released at this stage.
How Did the Investigation Unfold?
The investigation began after a woman reported an alleged sexual assault in July 2022. The Metropolitan Police took charge, conducting inquiries that culminated in the evidence being referred to the Crown Prosecution Service. The CPS reviewed the case material before authorising the charge on 28 January 2026.
As noted by Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Jessica Walker in her statement to the press, the CPS collaborated closely with the Metropolitan Police. This partnership ensured a comprehensive review of the evidence prior to the charging decision. The process reflects standard protocols for serious allegations against public figures.
What is the Context of McGinn’s Political Background?
Conor McGinn entered Parliament in 2015 as the MP for St Helens North, holding the seat until 2024. During his tenure, he was known for his work on various Labour Party initiatives, though specifics on his parliamentary contributions are not directly tied to this case. His time in office ended prior to the formal charges, following his 2022 suspension.
St Helens North, located in Merseyside, has long been a Labour stronghold. McGinn’s departure from the party came amid the complaint, which he publicly described to the Guardian as unfounded. No additional political fallout details have emerged in recent reporting.
Has the Labour Party Responded to the Charges?
The Labour Party suspended McGinn in 2022 in response to the initial complaint, a decision that remains in place. No fresh comments from Labour leadership have been reported as of 28 January 2026. The party’s handling aligns with its internal processes for allegations against members.
McGinn’s 2022 response to the Guardian provides the most recent public statement from him on the matter. He maintained his innocence at that point, stating confidence in the complaint’s lack of foundation.
What Precautions Are in Place for a Fair Trial?
The Crown Prosecution Service has issued a strong reminder about the active nature of the proceedings. Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Jessica Walker explicitly warned:
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
This guidance aims to protect Conor McGinn’s right to a fair trial.
Media outlets, including the Daily Mail and the Guardian, have reported these details while adhering to contempt of court considerations. The public is urged to refrain from speculation or social media discussions that could influence potential jurors.
Who Investigated the Allegation?
The Metropolitan Police led the investigation into the July 2022 allegation. Their work involved gathering evidence from the complainant and other sources, which was subsequently passed to the CPS for review. Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Jessica Walker confirmed the close cooperation between the two bodies.
The Met Police’s involvement is standard for cases in London, given McGinn’s residence in Lambeth. No further operational details from the investigation have been disclosed publicly.
What Happens Next in the Legal Process?
Following McGinn’s appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 27 February, the case may proceed to further hearings. Depending on the magistrate’s decisions, it could be committed to a higher court for trial. The CPS will continue to oversee prosecution efforts.
All parties, including the media, must respect reporting restrictions to avoid contempt charges. The outcome remains uncertain, with the presumption of innocence upheld until proven otherwise.
