LONDON -- A former Conservative lawmaker, Craig Williams, has pleaded guilty to cheating at gambling by using insider knowledge to bet on the date of a United Kingdom general election. Williams, who served as parliamentary private secretary to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, admitted in Southwark Crown Court that he used confidential information to place three bets ranging from 22.50 to 250 pounds.
Williams, 41, lost his bid for re-election in his Wales constituency. Prosecutors stated that he placed a 100-pound bet on a July election just days before the date was publicly announced. He had been present in meetings where the election date was discussed.
Election gambling is legal in the U.K., and betting on the timing of elections is a common practice. However, it is illegal for lawmakers to bet using inside information. Prime Minister Sunak called a surprise general election for July 4, defying conventional expectations that he would wait until the fall. The announcement was made in May 2024.
Williams had previously stated on social media that he had made an "error of judgment, not an offense." Prosecutor Zoe Johnson confirmed that Williams has now accepted that he used highly sensitive and confidential information for betting and profit. Three additional charges that Williams denied will be dropped at his sentencing.
Williams is one of more than a dozen individuals charged in connection with the betting scandal. Other Conservative Party members and a police officer are among those still facing charges, which carry a potential two-year prison sentence if convicted. A dozen defendants pleaded not guilty and are scheduled for trials in September 2027 and January 2028.
Amy Hind, 35, the wife of Conservative deputy digital director Anthony Hind, also pleaded guilty to cheating at betting. Her sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23. A charge against her husband for providing her with information was dismissed.