Reform UK candidate stands down over Lincolnshire charity fraud
Turner was announced last month as the Reform candidate for Louth North in the Lincolnshire County Council elections on 1 May.His replacement is due to be announced later this week.
In a statement, Meridale trustees said Turner, who was formerly a trustee, centre manager and youth group leader, had betrayed the trust placed in him.They said Turner was originally suspended and later dismissed in May 2022 for gross negligence and misconduct in relation to personal misuse of Meridale IT systems.Following his dismissal, a thorough review and audit was conducted, the trustees said. Turner's actions had "significantly deprived" the organisation of funds.In total, trustees said he had defrauded the charity out of more than £28,600."This financial loss has delayed or curtailed projects and activities of direct benefit to Sutton-on-Sea, Trusthorpe and Mablethorpe," a spokesperson said.They added that the trustees were determined to recover the money under the Proceeds of Crime Act.A Reform UK spokesman said: "No one is officially a Reform UK candidate until nomination papers are handed in."Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
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