Over a dozen people charged after major probe into bets on timing of General Election

More than a dozen people have been charged after a major probe into bets on the timing of the General Election last year. Ex Tory MP Craig Williams and 14 more have been charged with gambling offences under the Gambling Act 2005 after an investigation into the scandal, the Gambling Commission said.It is believed that some CCHQ officials were privy to the date of the much-anticipated election before Rishi Sunak announced the July date in May outside No10.Williams – who was the PM’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS) at the time – admitted to having a “flutter” several days before the Richmond & Northallerton MP addressed the nation.Laura Saunders – who was the Conservative candidate for Bristol North West and is married to a Tory campaign chief – has been charged with the same offence. Her husband Tony Lee took a leave of absence in the wake of the allegations during the election campaign as the scandal overran the Conservatives.Both Saunders and Williams are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court at 10am on June 13 2025, the commission announced.Others who have been charged include Senedd member Russell George and former party staffer Nick Mason.LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Is the Tory gambling scandal as bad as Partygate, or has Rishi Sunak fallen into a trap?, asks Patrick ChristysTransport Minister ‘extremely angry’ over Tory gambling reportsMet Police accused of leaking names of betting scandal ToriesThe 13 others who have been charged with cheating are: Simon Chatfield, 51, (DOB: 19/03/1974), Lower Bourne, Farnham, GU10Russell George, 50, (DOB: 27/04/1974), Newtown, Wales, SY16Amy Hind, 34, (DOB: 13/07/1990), Loughton, Essex, IG10 Anthony Hind, 36, (DOB: 12/09/1988), Loughton, Essex, IG10Jeremy Hunt, 55, (DOB: 08/04/1970), Horne, Horley, RH6, (former Police Officer)Thomas James, 38, (DOB: 15/09/1986), Brecon, Wales, LD3Charlotte Lang, 36, (DOB: 15/02/1989), Brixton, SW9Anthony Lee, 47, (DOB: 24/04/1977), Bristol, BS1Iain Makepeace, 47, (DOB: 15/08/1977), Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16Nick Mason, 51, (DOB: 03/10/1973), Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8Paul Place, 53, (DOB: 11/05/1971), Hammersmith, London, W6James Ward, 40, (DOB: 12/08/1984), London, E11Jacob Willmer, 39, (DOB: 06/07/1985), Richmond, London, TW9The investigation – which was first launched by the Gambling Commission in June last year – assessed those suspected of using advanced knowledge of the election date to win an unfair advantage in placing bets.MORE TO FOLLOW…Following the commission’s announcement, Russell George has been suspended from the Conservative Party. Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Darren Millar said: “Having been informed that Russell George MS has been charged with gambling-related offences, I have taken the decision to suspend him from the Welsh Conservative group in the Senedd.”The suspension is a neutral act pending the outcome of the justice process.”There will be no further comment at this time.”

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