Former Conservative MP Craig Williams Pleads Guilty to Election Betting Offence

Former Conservative MP Craig Williams pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to cheating at gambling by placing bets on the date of the 2024 UK general election. Williams, 41, admitted using information obtained while attending planning meetings in Downing Street and Conservative headquarters. Prosecutors said he placed bets of £250, £100 and £22.50.

Hind, 35, also pleaded guilty after placing bets of £10, £5 and £20 on the election date. She successfully staked £100 at 11-1 odds on a July poll after earlier attempts failed. A charge against her husband for passing information was dropped by prosecutors.

Thirteen other defendants, including Conservative Party officials and police officers who worked in Downing Street, pleaded not guilty. Trials are scheduled to begin on 6 September 2027 and 3 January 2028. All defendants received unconditional bail.

" — Zoe Johnson KC, prosecutor, Monday (court hearing) The charges followed an investigation by the Gambling Commission under Operation Scott into betting by politicians and Conservative Party staff ahead of the election. Williams will not be sentenced until co-defendants have stood trial.

Hind is due to be sentenced on 23 October.