Conservative figures hit with UK election gambling charges

LONDON: A former British MP and close aide of ex-prime minister Rishi Sunak was among 15 people charged with gambling offences in relation to the timing of the 2024 general election, a watchdog said on 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 UK, 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.