Craig Williams: Former Rishi Sunak Aide Faces Charges in UK Election Betting Scandal
- Staff Correspondent
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Craig Williams, a former Conservative MP and parliamentary private secretary to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, remains embroiled in a high-profile Gambling Commission investigation into bets placed on the timing of the 2024 UK general election.
Background of the Case on Craig Williams
Williams, who served as Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary from October 2022 to June 2024, publicly acknowledged in June 2024 that he had placed the bet on a July election. He described it as a “huge error of judgement” but maintained it was not an offence and cooperated with the Gambling Commission inquiry.
In April 2025, the Commission charged Williams and 14 others with offences related to alleged cheating at gambling by using insider information about the election date. Williams faces one count of cheating at gambling and three counts of enabling or assisting others to cheat.
Court Proceedings put on Craig Williams
June 2025: Williams appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court; he gave no indication of plea. Twelve of the other defendants indicated not-guilty pleas.
July 2025: At Southwark Crown Court, the case was transferred for trial. Williams again did not enter a plea. The court scheduled a preliminary hearing for an application to dismiss charges on 19 January 2026.
Trials are split due to the number of defendants: one set for September 2027 and Williams’ phase for 3 January 2028.
Context and Impact of Craig Williams's work
The scandal emerged shortly before the July 2024 general election, which the Conservatives lost heavily. Sunak withdrew party support from Williams and at least one other implicated candidate. Several individuals involved were party officials or had close ties to the government, raising questions about the use of non-public information.
Williams lost his Montgomeryshire seat in the election. He has not commented publicly on recent court developments beyond his initial apology.As of 29 June 2026, Williams is presumed innocent. Any claim of a guilty plea appears premature based on the latest court timetable. The case continues to highlight tensions around political betting and insider knowledge in UK elections.
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