Gambling Commission has charged 15 individuals, including former Conservative MP Craig Williams and candidate Laura Saunders, with betting offenses related to the 2024 UK general election.
Gatekeepers News reports that the charges stem from an investigation into alleged cheating, focusing on those suspected of using confidential information about the election date to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets.
Individuals charged are;
– Craig Williams, former Conservative MP and aide to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
– Laura Saunders, Conservative candidate during the general election
– Russell George, Conservative Senedd member
– Tony Lee, Conservative director of campaigning
– Nick Mason, Conservative chief data officer
Others are:
– Simon Chatfield
– Amy Hind
– Anthony Hind
– Jeremy Hunt
– Thomas James
– Charlotte Lang
– Iain Makepeace
– Paul Place
– James Ward
– Jacob Willmer
The Gambling Commission launched its investigation in June 2024, after allegations of illicit bets being placed by political party members and police officers.
“Such actions constitute an offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, a criminal offence,” the Commission said.
Those charged will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 13, 2025.
