Key facts
- Fifteen people have been charged with betting offences related to the timing of the 2024 general election.
- Craig Williams, a former Conservative MP and aide to Rishi Sunak, is among those charged.
- The charges stem from allegations of using confidential information about the election date for betting advantages.
- Williams has pleaded guilty to an election betting offence.
- Those found guilty could face a fine or up to two years in prison.
Fifteen individuals, including former Conservative Member of Parliament Craig Williams, have been charged with betting offences by the Gambling Commission. The charges relate to allegations of using confidential information about the timing of the 2024 general election to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets.
Williams, who previously served as an aide to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, had disclosed placing a bet on the election date. The investigation was launched after suspicious bets were placed before the election was called.
Those charged face potential penalties including a fine or up to two years in prison. The Conservative Party has stated that any current members of staff charged have been suspended and that the party is cooperating with the investigation. Williams lost his parliamentary seat in the general election.