Fifteen individuals, including former Conservative MP Craig Williams, have been charged with gambling offences related to bets placed on the date of the next general election, which is set for 2024. The charges follow a ten-month investigation initiated by the Gambling Commission, prompted by allegations that certain campaigners and political candidates made questionable bets, potentially using insider information to gain an unfair edge.
The investigation began in June 2022 after concerns were raised about multiple figures within the political sphere allegedly placing wagers on the announcement of the election date. Using confidential information to inform betting decisions is a violation of gambling regulations and could be classified as cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which is considered a criminal offence.
Craig Williams, the former MP for Montgomeryshire, reportedly admitted to having a "flutter" on the election date shortly before the official announcement was made by then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in May 2022. The investigation has also seen charges brought against Russell George, a member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, and Nick Mason, a former chief data officer for the Conservative Party. Additionally, Laura Saunders, who was previously announced as the Conservative candidate for Bristol North West before being dropped, is among those facing charges.
All fifteen charged individuals are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 13, 2025, to answer to the allegations. The implications of the investigation and subsequent charges may have significant ramifications within the political landscape, especially concerning the integrity of electoral processes and betting regulations.
As developments continue to unfold, additional details may emerge, shedding further light on this unprecedented situation involving prominent figures in British politics.
Source: Noah Wire Services