The 2024 general election may feel like a lifetime ago, but the Gambling Commission has certainly not forgotten about it. The watchdog has this morning charged 15 people over bets placed on the timing of the national poll – including former Tory MP and ex-parliamentary aide to Rishi Sunak, Craig Williams. Dear oh dear…
The development comes after several political figures faced scrutiny last summer over placing bets on the date of the general election. Last June it emerged that Craig Williams, the Prime Minister’s closest parliamentary aide, placed a £100 bet on there being a July election — just three days before a rain-soaked Rishi Sunak announced the date to the public. Former CCHQ campaign boss Tony Lee has also been charged by the Gambling Commission and, as Mr S revealed last year, his wife Laura Saunders – who was the party’s candidate for Bristol North West and a former CCHQ staffer – was also under investigation for gambling offences and has today been charged by the watchdog.
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