Ex-UK lawmaker pleads guilty in election betting scandal
8 reported
A former Conservative lawmaker in the United Kingdom has pleaded guilty to cheating at gambling by using insider knowledge to bet on the date then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would call a general election two years ago. Craig Williams, who served as Sunak's parliamentary private secretary, was one of more than a dozen people charged in the betting scandal over the timing of Britain's last general election. Williams admitted in Southwark Crown Court that he used confidential information to gamble, placing three bets between 22.50 and 250 pounds. He lost his reelection bid for his seat in Wales and later admitted he placed a 100-pound bet on a July election days before the date had been announced. Prosecutor Zoe Johnson stated that three additional charges Williams denied will be dropped when he is sentenced at a later date. Other members of the Conservative Party and a police officer are among those still facing charges that carry a potential two-year prison term if convicted.
What’s reported
Former Conservative lawmaker Craig Williams pleaded guilty Monday to cheating at gambling.
He used insider knowledge to bet on the date then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would call a U.K. election two years ago.
Williams was Sunak's parliamentary private secretary and one of more than a dozen people charged in the betting scandal.
He placed three bets between 22.50 pounds ($29.80) and 250 pounds ($331).
Williams lost his reelection bid for his seat in Wales.
Prosecutor Zoe Johnson said three additional charges Williams denied will be dropped at sentencing.
A dozen defendants pleaded not guilty Monday and face trials in September 2027 and January 2028.
Amy Hind, wife of Conservative deputy digital director Anthony Hind, also pleaded guilty to cheating at betting.
Key figures
Craig Williams: former Conservative lawmaker and parliamentary private secretary to Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak: then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Zoe Johnson: prosecutor in the case
Anthony Hind: Conservative deputy digital director
Amy Hind: wife of Anthony Hind, pleaded guilty to cheating at betting
Sources: abcnews.com
