Conservative Hertfordshire councillor reinstated after arrest in blackmail and stalking investigation
Alexander Clarkson has been readmitted to the Conservative Party after police arrested an 18-year-old on suspicion of blackmail
A Conservative councillor who was suspended when allegations about him appeared on social media has been readmitted to the party after police arrested a man on suspicion of blackmail and stalking offences.
Alexander Clarkson, who represents Borehamwood Hillside ward on Hertsmere Borough Council and was parliamentary candidate for Stevenage in 2024, was suspended pending investigation by the Conservatives in December, when he said the allegations against him were “entirely false”.
Emil Sohrab, chairman of Hertfordshire Conservatives, said Cllr Clarkson has been the victim of a crime and an 18-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of blackmail, stalking and sharing intimate images with intent.
Mr Sohrab said Cllr Clarkson’s suspension pending investigation had been “inevitable” under Conservative rules, but added: “In no way at any stage did we assume anything other than he was a victim of what is a cruel and senseless crime”.
Cllr Clarkson said he is “pleased and relieved” that an arrest has now been made, and thanked the police for their “hard work and support”.
“The result of this case I hope will act as a deterrent, so that fewer people will have to go through what I have these past few months,” he said.
The 18-year-old man was arrested following a report of malicious communications which launched the police investigation.
The leader of Hertsmere Borough Council’s Conservative group, Cllr Lynette Sullivan, said that “nobody should have to endure sustained malicious communications or abuse online, especially when they are carrying out their role in such a public and political environment”.
“We will always support the strongest possible action against those responsible for this kind of behaviour,” she added.
The chairman of Hertsmere Conservatives, Cllr Harvey Cohen, said it had been “an incredibly difficult and deeply upsetting period” for Cllr Clarkson.
He continued: “I am pleased his party suspension was lifted quickly.
“The recent arrest of an individual underlines why it was so important that assumptions were not made before the facts were properly established.
“Alexander is a valued friend and colleague, a dedicated Conservative, and someone who has given a huge amount of time and energy to public service in Hertsmere and beyond.
“Those of us who know him well are relieved that he and his family can now begin to move forward from what has been an extremely distressing experience.”
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire police said the 18-year-old man who was arrested has been released on bail while enquiries continue.