Edward Brandt Convicted of Stalking Former MP Penny Mordaunt
Published 14 November 2025
Highlights
- Edward Brandt, 61, was found guilty of stalking former MP Penny Mordaunt but cleared of causing serious alarm or distress.
- Brandt, a former councillor, sent numerous emails and voicemails and attempted to breach security at Mordaunt's office.
- Mordaunt expressed fear for her safety, citing Brandt's behavior as obsessive and a potential threat.
- The jury delivered a 10-2 majority verdict, and Brandt is set to be sentenced in January 2024.
- The case highlights the challenges public figures face regarding personal safety and security.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Edward Brandt Convicted of Stalking Former MP Penny Mordaunt
In a case underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by public figures, Edward Brandt, a 61-year-old former councillor, has been convicted of stalking Penny Mordaunt, the former Conservative MP and leader of the House of Commons. The verdict, delivered by a jury at Southampton Crown Court, found Brandt guilty of stalking but acquitted him of the more severe charge of causing serious alarm or distress.
Persistent and Disturbing Behavior
Brandt's actions, which spanned from September 2023 to May 2024, included sending numerous emails and voicemails to Mordaunt and attempting to breach security at her Portsmouth office. Despite being issued a conditional caution in March 2024, Brandt continued his attempts to contact Mordaunt, leaving voicemails expressing his intent to meet her.
Impact on Mordaunt's Life
Mordaunt, who served as MP for Portsmouth North from 2010 to 2024, testified that Brandt's behavior had a profound impact on her life and those around her. She described the situation as "obsessive" and "creepy," noting that it forced her to alter her daily routines, including changing office security and relying on colleagues for safety. Mordaunt also shared the emotional toll it took on her foster child, who was instructed not to open the front door.
Courtroom Reactions and Sentencing
During the trial, Brandt, who now resides in Lymington, Hampshire, defended his actions as politically motivated, claiming he only wished to congratulate Mordaunt on her political achievements. However, the jury's majority verdict of 10 to 2 reflected the seriousness of his actions. Brandt, visibly emotional, wept as the verdict was announced. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2024.
Public Figures and Security Concerns
This case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by public figures, particularly in the realm of political stalking incidents. Mordaunt's experience underscores the need for robust security measures and legal protections to ensure the safety of individuals in the public eye.
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Scenario Analysis
As Edward Brandt awaits sentencing, the case raises important questions about the legal consequences of stalking and the adequacy of current laws in protecting public figures. Legal experts may advocate for stricter penalties and enhanced security protocols for MPs and other high-profile individuals. The outcome of Brandt's sentencing could set a precedent for future cases involving political stalking, potentially influencing legislative changes aimed at bolstering the safety of public figures in the UK.
In a case underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by public figures, Edward Brandt, a 61-year-old former councillor, has been convicted of stalking Penny Mordaunt, the former Conservative MP and leader of the House of Commons. The verdict, delivered by a jury at Southampton Crown Court, found Brandt guilty of stalking but acquitted him of the more severe charge of causing serious alarm or distress.
Persistent and Disturbing Behavior
Brandt's actions, which spanned from September 2023 to May 2024, included sending numerous emails and voicemails to Mordaunt and attempting to breach security at her Portsmouth office. Despite being issued a conditional caution in March 2024, Brandt continued his attempts to contact Mordaunt, leaving voicemails expressing his intent to meet her.
Impact on Mordaunt's Life
Mordaunt, who served as MP for Portsmouth North from 2010 to 2024, testified that Brandt's behavior had a profound impact on her life and those around her. She described the situation as "obsessive" and "creepy," noting that it forced her to alter her daily routines, including changing office security and relying on colleagues for safety. Mordaunt also shared the emotional toll it took on her foster child, who was instructed not to open the front door.
Courtroom Reactions and Sentencing
During the trial, Brandt, who now resides in Lymington, Hampshire, defended his actions as politically motivated, claiming he only wished to congratulate Mordaunt on her political achievements. However, the jury's majority verdict of 10 to 2 reflected the seriousness of his actions. Brandt, visibly emotional, wept as the verdict was announced. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2024.
Public Figures and Security Concerns
This case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by public figures, particularly in the realm of political stalking incidents. Mordaunt's experience underscores the need for robust security measures and legal protections to ensure the safety of individuals in the public eye.
What this might mean
As Edward Brandt awaits sentencing, the case raises important questions about the legal consequences of stalking and the adequacy of current laws in protecting public figures. Legal experts may advocate for stricter penalties and enhanced security protocols for MPs and other high-profile individuals. The outcome of Brandt's sentencing could set a precedent for future cases involving political stalking, potentially influencing legislative changes aimed at bolstering the safety of public figures in the UK.
