UK Conservative figures hit with election gambling charges

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street in London, May 22, 2024, announcing a general election for July 4 that year. AP-Yonhap

A former British member of parliament and close aide of ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was among 15 people charged with gambling offenses in relation to the timing of the 2024 general election, a watchdog said Monday.

The Gambling Commission launched a probe in June 2024 after allegations that senior Conservative figures had placed bets on the highly anticipated timing of the election called by Sunak — plunging his already troubled party into further scandal.

Craig Williams, a parliamentary candidate and Sunak's ministerial aide, and Nick Mason, the party's then chief data officer, were among 15 people charged by the Gambling Commission for alleged bets.

At the time of the accusations, Williams apologised for an alleged £100 ($131) bet on a July election date, but did not disclose whether or not he had advance knowledge.

The Conservative party withdrew support for him ahead of the July 4 vote.

Political bets are allowed in the U.K., including on the date of elections, but using insider knowledge to do so is against the law.

The probe "focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information — specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date — to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets," the gambling regulator said in a statement.

The party — now in opposition — said any Tory staff members hit with gambling offence charges were being "suspended with immediate effect."

"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," a spokesman said.

Those charged are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 13.

Among them is former police officer Jeremy Hunt, Tory candidate Laura Saunders, and her husband Anthony Lee — the party's then campaign director.

Last June, the BBC revealed a police officer part of Sunak's close protection team was suspended and being probed for alleged betting.

A furore over the betting scandal overshadowed the final stretch of Sunak's re-election bid, adding to a litany of campaign woes and ultimately spelling victory for Keir Starmer's Labour party. (AFP)