Tory Election Betting Scandal Explodes as Party Insiders Face Court Over Alleged Cheating
A major scandal has rocked the Conservative Party after multiple figures were charged in an election betting probe that’s thrown even more chaos into Rishi Sunak’s already shaky leadership.
The controversy erupted when it was revealed that several individuals with links to the party had placed bets on the timing of the July general election—before it was officially announced. The timing of UK elections is not fixed, meaning insiders could potentially profit from early knowledge. The Gambling Commission launched a formal investigation in June 2024, suspecting the use of confidential information to gain an edge on betting markets.
Among those caught up in the storm was Craig Williams, a senior aide to Rishi Sunak, who admitted to placing a £100 bet on the July date. Although he apologised, he never confirmed whether he had inside information when placing the bet. The party withdrew its support for him ahead of the July 4 vote, and he went on to lose his seat.
Others charged include Welsh Conservative politician Russell George, 50, and Laura Saunders, 37, who also stood as a Tory candidate but didn’t win. The accusations have been a damaging early blow to Sunak’s re-election campaign and further fuelled criticism about the party’s ethics.
The Gambling Commission confirmed that 15 individuals have now been charged and are set to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 13. “The Commission is committed to upholding the law and will continue to take robust action against illegal betting practices,” it said, reported REUTERS.
Political betting is legal in the UK, but using inside information to do so is strictly against the law under the Gambling Act 2005. The Commission stated clearly that its investigation “focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information—specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date—to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets.”
In response, the Conservative Party said it had suspended any current staff who had been charged and added: “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.”
Labour’s Ellie Reeves called the scandal a “very serious development” and urged Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to act decisively. “No ifs, no buts,” she said, stressing that anyone found guilty of using insider knowledge to cash in has “no place in the Conservative Party.”
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar confirmed that Russell George’s suspension was “a neutral act” while the investigation continues. Party chairman Bernard Gentry told BBC Wales it was “disappointing” but said judgment should wait for the court’s decision.
Don’t Miss These:
- Loose Women Pulled Off Air as Jane Moore Breaks News to Viewers
- Royal expert highlights Prince Harry’s ‘inner sadness’
- Unexplained Bruises? It Could Be a Hidden Sign of Blood Cancer, Experts Warn
- Jimmy White Fumes as Yan Bingtao Breaks Snooker Etiquette in Crucible Clash
- Nigel Farage Demands Minister for Deportations as Channel Crossings Hit Record High