Ex-MP Craig Williams charged with betting offences

Fifteen people including former Conservative MP Craig Williams have been charged with betting offences by the Gambling Commission.

The investigation was launched last year following bets placed on the timing of the 2024 general election.

The commission said the 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”.

Those charged will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 13 June 2025.

Before the election was called, Williams was the Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire and an aide to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Laura Saunders, who was the Conservative candidate in Bristol North West at the general election, is also on the list of those who have been charged by the commission.

On 22 May, Rishi Sunak announced the general election would be held on 4 July – a decision that overturned expectations of an autumn poll.