Craig Williams, a former Conservative Member of Parliament and close aide to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has pleaded guilty to cheating at gambling by placing bets on the date of the 2024 general election. Williams, 41, admitted to using confidential information about the election timing that he obtained through his privileged position within the government.

Williams, who served as parliamentary private secretary to Sunak and was previously the MP for Montgomeryshire before losing his seat in the 2024 election, appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London where he entered his guilty plea. He placed bets totaling £372.50 on the election dates, including wagers of £250, £100, and £22.50.

Prosecutors stated that Williams participated in planning meetings at Downing Street and Conservative Party headquarters where the election date was discussed. His access to this sensitive information gave him an unfair advantage in betting markets. Zoe Johnson KC, prosecuting counsel, highlighted that Williams accepted that by pleading guilty, he acknowledged using confidential details to profit from the gambling.

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced at a later hearing. Meanwhile, trials for 12 other defendants charged in relation to the same scheme are planned for September 2027 and January 2028. Among those charged are several Conservative Party aides and a former police officer. The group is accused of exploiting inside information to place bets on the 2024 general election date, constituting illegal gambling offenses. The investigation and subsequent charges have raised questions about ethics and conduct among political insiders during the election period.