Overview
- Fifteen individuals, including ex-Conservative MP Craig Williams, face charges for alleged cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005.
- The charges stem from a Gambling Commission investigation into insider betting on the July 4, 2024, UK general election date, announced three days after the bets were placed.
- Notable figures charged include former Tory campaign director Tony Lee, ex-chief data officer Nick Mason, and parliamentary candidate Laura Saunders.
- The Metropolitan Police had dropped its parallel investigation in August 2024, citing insufficient evidence for misconduct in public office.
- The accused are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in June 2025, marking a key step in the case with significant political and regulatory implications.