High Court throws out case against Nadine Dorries MP

The High Court has thrown out a case against Nadine Dorries MP accusing her of a smear campaign against a rival candidate during the election.
Nadine Dorries MPNadine Dorries MP
Nadine Dorries MP

Independent Tim Ireland lodged an election petition against Ms Dorries in May, but today the Royal Courts of Justice in London dismissed the case.

The MP for Mid Bedfordshire, who won with a 23,327 majority, could have lost her seat if she had been found guilty of allegations that she made several attempts to smear Mr Ireland’s reputation.

The initial cost of lodging an election petition can be around £5,500 but costs can spiral once a trial begins, to cover the expense of a legal team.

Mr Ireland secured 384 votes - a 0.7 per cent share of the vote - at the polls on May 7.