UK: Rishi Sunak’s ex-aide, 14 others charged in election betting scandal

Fifteen persons, including a former top aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a current member of the Welsh Senedd, and a former police officer, have been charged with election betting offences related to the timing of the 2024 general election.

Authorities allege the group used confidential information to profit from bets placed on when the election would be held. All 15 are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court at 10 a.m. this Friday to face charges.

The Gambling Commission, which launched the investigation in June 2023, said in a statement that the case “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 investigation began after Craig Williams — Rishi Sunak’s former parliamentary private secretary and a prospective parliamentary candidate at the time — admitted to placing a £100 bet on 19 May 2024, predicting a July election. Just three days later, Sunak officially announced that the general election would take place on 4 July.

Williams was later dropped as a candidate. In a statement last June, he said: “I committed a serious error of judgement, not an offence.”

Among those charged is Russell George, a Conservative member of the Welsh Senedd. He returned to the front bench in October after stepping down from his role as mid-Wales spokesman in June. 

Over the weekend, he was re-selected as a candidate for next year’s Senedd elections — but has now been suspended pending “the outcome of the justice process.”

Other individuals facing charges include Jeremy Hunt, a former police officer (not to be confused with the former Chancellor); Tony Lee, the Conservative Party’s former campaign director; Lee’s wife, Laura Saunders, a former Tory candidate; and Nick Mason, the party’s former chief data officer.

The remainder of those charged are also either current or former Conservative Party staff or candidates. The party confirmed that all staff currently employed and facing charges have been suspended.

A Conservative Party spokesperson said: “The Conservative Party believes that those working in politics must act with integrity. Current members of staff who have been charged are being suspended with immediate effect.”

“These incidents took place in May last year. 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,” the spokesperson added.

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Who Are the 15 Charged?

Simon Chatfield, 51, Farnham – Former Conservative Party chief marketing officer

Russell George, 50, Newtown, Wales – Welsh Conservative Senedd member (now suspended)

Amy Hind, 34, Loughton, Essex

Anthony Hind, 36, Loughton, Essex – Former Conservative Party deputy digital director

Jeremy Hunt, 55, Horley – Former police officer

Thomas James, 38, Brecon, Wales – Director of Welsh Conservatives

Charlotte Lang, 36, Brixton – 2019 Conservative candidate, now a partner at Hanbury Strategy

Anthony “Tony” Lee, 47, Bristol – Former director of Conservative Party campaigning

Iain Makepeace, 47, Newcastle Upon Tyne – Former Conservative Party head of creative

Nick Mason, 51, Gillingham – Former Conservative chief data officer

Paul Place, 53, Hammersmith, London – Trustee of The Conservative and Unionist Agents’ Benevolent Association

Laura Saunders, 37, Bristol – Tory 2024 candidate (and Tony Lee’s wife), later dropped

James Ward, 40, East London

Craig Williams, 39, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool – Former Montgomeryshire MP and Sunak aide

Jacob Willmer, 39, Richmond, London – Partner at Consulum; ex-special adviser to Greg Clarke

Labour candidate Kevin Craig was also investigated after betting on his own electoral loss. However, he was cleared of wrongdoing in December.

Labour Party chair Ellie Reeves said: “This is a very serious development. The British people will expect that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing faces the full force of the law.”

“Kemi Badenoch must make crystal clear that anyone found guilty of using insider information to cheat the system to try to enrich themselves has no place in the Conservative Party. No ifs, no buts,” Reeves added.

“Labour is turning the page on 14 years of Conservative chaos and scandal and we’re turning our country round through our Plan for Change. Only Labour can be trusted to deliver security for working people and the renewal Britain needs.”

Following the Gambling Commission’s initial probe, the Metropolitan Police also opened an inquiry into potential misconduct in public office. 

While the Met announced in August 2024 that no one would face charges, several politicians and police officers remained under investigation by the Gambling Commission for potential violations of gambling laws.

(Sky News)

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