Rishi Sunak’s former aide, along with 14 others, faces charges over illegal bets placed on the 2024 general election date, amid claims of insider trading
Rishi Sunak’s former parliamentary aide, Craig Williams, along with 14 others, including a current Welsh Senedd member and several former Conservative Party officials, has been charged in connection with Rishi Sunak election betting offences. The charges follow a Gambling Commission investigation into the use of insider information to place bets on the 2024 general election date before its official announcement.
The investigation, which began in June 2024, uncovered that Williams, who had previously been a candidate in Montgomeryshire, placed a £100 bet on the election date being set for July 2024—three days before Prime Minister Sunak made the official announcement. Williams admitted to making an error of judgment but insisted his actions did not constitute an offence.
The individuals charged also include prominent political figures such as Russell George, a suspended Welsh Senedd member, Tony Lee, former Conservative campaign director, and former police officer Jeremy Hunt, among others. These individuals are due to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court to face charges, including cheating related to the use of confidential information for personal gain.
The Conservative Party has responded by suspending those still in employment within the party, citing a commitment to integrity in politics. The party spokesperson emphasized that these incidents occurred before the current leadership took over, and the party is fully cooperating with the Gambling Commission’s investigation into the Rishi Sunak election betting scandal.
The controversy has sparked political reactions, with Labour Party chair Ellie Reeves demanding accountability for those found guilty, urging that they should be expelled from the Conservative Party. The incident has further complicated the Conservative Party’s reputation, which is already under scrutiny due to multiple scandals.
Amid the investigation, the Metropolitan Police had opened an inquiry into whether any misconduct in public office had occurred, though they have since stated that no charges would be brought forward by their department. However, the Gambling Commission’s investigation is ongoing, and further legal actions may follow.
This Rishi Sunak election betting scandal has raised serious concerns about the integrity of political figures and their involvement in illicit activities. The public and political observers are watching closely as the case progresses, with expectations that the full force of the law will be applied to those found guilty of exploiting insider knowledge for financial gain.
THE GUARDIAN
Fifteen individuals, including former Conservative MP Craig Williams and other senior Tories, have been charged by the Gambling Commission over alleged insider betting on the date of the 2024 UK general election. Williams, once Rishi Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary, reportedly placed bets just before the July election was announced. Others charged include Welsh MP Russell George, Tory candidate Laura Saunders, her husband and campaign director Tony Lee, and ex-data chief Nick Mason. The allegations centre on using confidential information for financial gain, breaching section 42 of the Gambling Act. The charged individuals will appear in court on 13 June 2025. The scandal, which embarrassed the Conservatives during the campaign, also involves former Met officer Jeremy Hunt and other party affiliates. The Conservative Party has suspended all implicated staff, while Labour’s Ellie Reeves demanded accountability. A separate Labour candidate, Kevin Craig, was suspended for betting against his own electoral chances.
BBC
Fifteen individuals, including ex-Tory MP Craig Williams and several senior Conservative Party figures, have been charged by the Gambling Commission over alleged insider betting on the 2024 UK general election date. Williams, formerly Rishi Sunak’s aide, reportedly wagered on a July poll just days before the 4 July election was officially announced. Those charged include Russell George MS, Laura Saunders (a former Tory candidate), her partner and ex-campaigns director Tony Lee, and former data chief Nick Mason. Former police officer Jeremy Hunt, who worked in royal protection, is also among the accused. The commission alleges they used confidential knowledge for personal gain, breaching section 42 of the Gambling Act. The accused will appear in court on 13 June 2025. The Conservative Party, under new leadership, has suspended those charged and is cooperating with authorities. Labour has demanded strong action against any convicted individuals, calling the scandal a serious breach of public trust.
ITV X
Fifteen individuals, including Rishi Sunak’s former aide Craig Williams, have been charged under the Gambling Act over bets placed on the timing of the 2024 general election. The Gambling Commission alleges the group used insider knowledge of the election date—announced for 4 July 2024 by then-PM Sunak—to profit unfairly in betting markets. Those charged include Conservative figures such as Laura Saunders, her husband and campaign chief Anthony Lee, Senedd member Russell George, and former party data head Nick Mason. All are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 June 2025. Williams admitted to a “flutter” on the election date shortly before it was declared. The Conservative Party has suspended those charged and emphasised its commitment to integrity under new leadership. Labour’s Ellie Reeves demanded that leader Kemi Badenoch clearly condemn insider cheating, stating anyone found guilty must be permanently expelled from the party. The investigation began in June 2024.
