Body lays charges
The UK Gambling Commission has charged 15 people, including former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s closest parliamentary aide Craig Williams, for election betting offenses.
multiple MPs and law enforcement officers remained under investigation
While the Metropolitan Police concluded its investigation last summer into the 2024 election betting violations without charging anyone, multiple MPs and law enforcement officers remained under investigation by the UKGC.
After a probe spanning several months, the UK gambling regulator took to X Monday with news of its resulting charges:
Along with Williams, the other notables charged over suspiciously timed bets linked to the 2024 General Elections include a current Welsh Senedd member and a former police officer.
Shady activity prompts probe
The UKGC’s investigation targeted individuals believed to have used confidential advanced information about the proposed date of the 2024 elections to take unfair advantage of the betting markets.
Being a criminal offense under the Gambling Act 2005 meant the UKGC could also exercise its authority to investigate such actions and “bring criminal prosecutions where appropriate.”
will continue to take robust action against illegal betting practices”
The regulator stated Monday it “was committed to upholding the law and will continue to take robust action against illegal betting practices, including investigating and prosecuting offences.”
The UKGC began the investigation after Williams admitted placing a £100 ($128) that the election would be on July 4, just three days before then-PM Sunak announced the date. Williams argued he “committed a serious error of judgment, not an offense.”
Like Williams, all 15 the UKGC charged are or were staff members of the Conservative Party or candidates for election.
One-party problem
The Tories were quick to react, stating that all current members of staff charged “are being suspended with immediate effect.”
A Tory spokesman added that the party “believes that those working in politics must act with integrity.”
Chair of the opposition Labour Party Ellie Reeves, meanwhile, stated the charges were serious and the “British people will expect that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing faces the full force of the law.”
Those charged are up before the judge at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday, June 13.
