Craig Williams, a former Conservative MP and close aide to ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has pleaded guilty to cheating at gambling by placing bets on the date of the 2024 general election using confidential information. The 41-year-old, who served as MP for Montgomeryshire and Cardiff North, admitted the offence at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.
Details of the Betting Scandal
Williams, of Llanfair Caereinion, Powys, placed three bets on the election date: £250, £100, and £22.50, according to prosecutors. He had been part of Sunak's inner circle as parliamentary private secretary and attended planning meetings in Downing Street ahead of the election. The scandal was first revealed by the Guardian, after which Williams admitted making a “huge error of judgment” regarding a £100 bet.
Co-Defendants and Charges
Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC stated that three further cheating charges, which Williams denies, will be dropped at sentencing. Amy Hind, 35, wife of Conservative deputy digital director Anthony Hind, also pleaded guilty to cheating regarding the election date. She placed bets of £10, £5, and £20, and later attempted to stake £767 and £700 on a July poll, which failed. She then placed a successful £100 bet at 11-1 odds. A separate charge against her husband for passing information was dropped. Hind is due for sentencing on 23 October.
Upcoming Trials
Thirteen co-defendants pleaded not guilty to cheating at gambling related to the 2024 election. Williams will not be sentenced until after their trials.
