Fifteen people have been charged in connection with an insider betting scandal involving wagers on the date of the 2024 UK general election. The UK Gambling Commission brought charges under the Gambling Act 2005 against a group that includes former Conservative MP Craig Williams and several individuals linked to the party. The case centres around bets placed shortly before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the 4 July 2024 election date.
Williams, who was Sunak’s Parliamentary Private Secretary at the time, admitted placing a £100 bet on 19 May 2024 that the election would be held in July. The bet was placed three days before the public announcement. Williams later described it as a “huge error of judgment.” Though he denied any criminal wrongdoing, his position became untenable.
The scandal became a major issue during the election campaign. Williams was dropped as a candidate and replaced. Other figures, including prospective MPs and party staff, also faced repercussions. A police officer from the Prime Minister’s protection team was among those investigated. The controversy contributed to a wider narrative about trust and standards in public life that plagued the Conservatives in the lead-up to the election.
Gambling Commission Investigation
The Gambling Commission began investigating in June 2024, focusing on the use of confidential information for betting purposes. Such conduct falls under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which makes it an offence to cheat at gambling. The law treats betting with insider knowledge in much the same way as financial insider trading.
The offence is punishable by up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine. The Commission stressed that using inside knowledge for betting is treated as a serious breach of both gambling law and public trust. While the investigation did not initially result in arrests, the complexity of the case meant that it continued for nearly a year before charges were formally brought.
Although a separate investigation by the Metropolitan Police into possible misconduct in public office was closed without charges, the Gambling Commission continued its inquiry. Charges were announced in April 2025. All 15 individuals are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 June 2025.
Individuals Charged
The following individuals have been charged with cheating at gambling:
- Craig Williams – Former MP and aide to Rishi Sunak
- Russell George – Member of the Welsh Parliament
- Simon Chatfield – Former Conservative Party marketing chief
- Nick Mason – Former Conservative Party data chief
- Tony Lee – Former Conservative campaign director
- Laura Saunders – Former Tory candidate for Bristol North West
- Anthony Hind – Former Conservative digital deputy director
- Thomas James – Welsh Conservatives director
- Iain Makepeace – Former head of design and print
- Charlotte Lang – Former parliamentary candidate
- Paul Place – Trustee of Conservative agents’ association
- Jacob Willmer – Ex-special adviser
- Jeremy Hunt – Former police officer (not the politician)
- Amy Hind – Conservative Party staff member
- James Ward – Conservative Party staff member
Most of those charged have close links to the Conservative Party, either as politicians, candidates, or campaign staff. The breadth of roles represented among the accused has sparked questions about the internal culture and oversight within political circles.
Williams’ Role and Fallout
Williams, the most high-profile defendant, was MP for Montgomeryshire and served as a junior aide to the Prime Minister. His bet, made before the election date was public, led to his deselection as a candidate. He later apologised, acknowledging poor judgment, but denied any intent to break the law.
“I should have thought more carefully,” Williams said. “It was a momentary lapse in judgment and I regret it deeply.”
Other senior Conservatives implicated include Laura Saunders and her husband Tony Lee. Saunders was dropped as a candidate, and Lee left his party role. Russell George was suspended from the Senedd Conservative group. Staff members such as Simon Chatfield and Nick Mason also left their posts.
The party acted swiftly after the Gambling Commission’s charges were confirmed. A spokesperson said: “Those working in politics must act with integrity. All individuals charged have been suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings.”
The controversy has added to post-election efforts by the party to rebuild trust. Although none of those charged currently hold office, the case has drawn attention to how political parties handle sensitive information.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
The charges mark a rare instance of criminal proceedings related to political betting. The key issue for the court will be whether confidential knowledge of election timing was improperly used to place bets. If proven, the defendants could face fines or custodial sentences, although any jail time would likely be limited given the magistrates’ court setting.
The Gambling Commission stated: “We take potential breaches of the Gambling Act extremely seriously, especially where there is a suggestion of insider knowledge being used to gain an unfair advantage.”
The reaction from across the political spectrum has been swift. Labour Party chair Ellie Reeves said, “Anyone found guilty of using insider information to cheat the system to try to enrich themselves has no place in the Conservative Party. No ifs, no buts.”
Others have pointed to the broader implications for the betting industry. The case has highlighted the increasing overlap between politics and gambling markets. Political betting has grown in popularity in recent years, but this case has prompted calls for tighter regulation and monitoring.
Industry observers have noted that this may be a turning point in how political betting is treated by regulators. “This is a wake-up call,” one former Gambling Commission adviser said. “There has to be a higher standard applied to markets where decisions can be influenced by a very small number of people.”
What Happens Next
All 15 individuals are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 June 2025. They will hear the charges read and may enter initial pleas, though a trial is not expected for several months.
The case is likely to draw continued media attention, especially as it unfolds against the backdrop of wider debates on political standards and gambling regulation. With one of the accused being a former MP and others having held senior positions in a governing party, the outcomes will be closely watched both within Westminster and beyond.
Regardless of the verdicts, the scandal has already left a lasting mark. It has raised uncomfortable questions about behaviour within political circles and the extent to which insider knowledge is protected—or exploited.
If convicted, the individuals could face penalties under a law that rarely sees such high-profile enforcement. If acquitted, the case will still serve as a cautionary tale about the perception of impropriety in politics and betting.
In the meantime, the Gambling Commission has reiterated its intention to tighten oversight of political markets, and the political world remains on notice.
