Former UK Lawmaker Charged in Election Betting Scandal

Craig Williams, a former Conservative lawmaker, is among 15 individuals charged with cheating in connection with bets placed on the timing of the UK's 2024 general election. The charges stem from allegations that they used insider information regarding the election date, which was unexpectedly announced by then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for July 4, 2024. Williams, who was Sunak's parliamentary private secretary, admitted to placing a £100 bet shortly before the announcement, describing it as an 'error of judgment.' The investigation, led by the Gambling Commission, scrutinizes whether the involved parties gained an unfair advantage through confidential knowledge. Other individuals charged include members of the Conservative Party and a police officer. If convicted, they could face a potential two-year prison sentence for these offenses.