Craig Williams, the former Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, is among 15 people charged with gambling offenses in connection with the U.K.’s 2024 snap general election, following an investigation by the Gambling Commission. Williams faces charges under the Gambling Act 2005 and is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates Court on June 13.
The charges stem from a probe initiated by the Gambling Commission in June 2024, focusing on individuals who allegedly used confidential information—specifically advance knowledge of the election date—to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets. The investigation was sparked by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s surprise announcement of a snap election, a decision within the power of the Prime Minister under the U.K. system.
Among those charged is Laura Saunders, who was dropped as a Conservative election candidate after an internal investigation into alleged bets placed on the timing of the election. Her husband, Tony Lee, a former Conservative campaign director, is also facing charges.
The investigation has named several other prominent figures within the Conservative Party. These include Simon Chatfield, former chief marketing officer at Conservative HQ (CCHQ), and Russell George, a Conservative member of the Welsh Assembly. Other individuals charged include Iain Makepeace, head of creative at CCHQ; Nick Mason, former chief data officer; Paul Place, ex-head of design at CCHQ; as well as former Conservative aides Jacob Willmer, James Ward, Charlotte Lang, Thomas James, Anthony Hind, and Amy Hind. Jeremy Hunt, a former police officer, is also among the individuals charged.
The Gambling Commission emphasized that such actions—using confidential information for gambling gains—constitute an offense of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005.
In response to the charges, a Conservative Party spokesperson reiterated the party’s commitment to integrity in politics. The spokesperson confirmed that staff members charged with offenses are being suspended immediately. “These incidents took place in May last year. Our party is now under new leadership and we are cooperating fully with the Gambling Commission to ensure that their investigation can conclude swiftly and transparently,” the statement concluded.
A separate investigation into election-related bets conducted by the Metropolitan Police was dropped last August.
The case is expected to continue unfolding as the individuals involved prepare for court hearings in June.
