Fifteen individuals, including former Conservative MP Craig Williams, have been charged with betting offenses by the Gambling Commission. The investigation focused on those suspected of using confidential information, specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date, to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets. These actions constitute a criminal offense of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which could lead to a fine or up to two years in jail.
Craig Williams, who was the MP for Montgomeryshire and an aide to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, had reportedly placed a bet on the election date. Other prominent individuals charged include Laura Saunders, a former Conservative parliamentary candidate, and her partner Anthony Lee, a former director of campaigning for the Conservatives, along with Thomas James, director of the Welsh Conservatives, and several former Conservative Party data and marketing officers. Russell George, a Member of the Senedd, was also charged and subsequently suspended from the Welsh Conservative group.
The alleged offenses took place in May 2024, before the general election was called for July 4, 2024. Rishi Sunak announced the election date on May 22, 2024, which overturned expectations of an autumn poll. The bets in question are reported to be in the "hundreds" of pounds, limited by betting company rules. The Conservative Party has stated that current members of staff who have been charged are suspended with immediate effect and that the party is cooperating fully with the Gambling Commission's investigation.
The 15 individuals are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 13, 2025. During a recent court appearance, Williams was among three defendants who gave no indication of a plea, while twelve others, including Russell George, indicated they would deny the charges. They are scheduled to reappear at Southwark Crown Court on July 11. Rishi Sunak is among those who have provided a witness statement in the case.
