A former council candidate has been charged with electoral fraud.

Michael Jefferson Fadak, 33, of Bedale Road, in Enfield, was charged with making a false declaration in his nomination papers for last month’s council election.

The former Conservative candidate was given a 12-month suspended sentence in 2011, for racking up more than £30,000 in housing allowance, council tax benefit, and income support while he was a student in 2003.

He was charged under two sections of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

He has been bailed and is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on July 8.