Included in the list of those charged in the Gambling Commission’s election betting case is former Conservative MP Craig Williams of Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool and Conservative candidate for Bristol North West Laura Saunders, both of whom were named in the Gambling Commission’s initial investigation.
The case was launched in June after a number of reports of insider betting on the election date were reported. A police officer, who had been working as part of the prime minister’s protection team, was arrested over allegedly betting on the general election date.
Who’s been charged in the election betting case?
Also facing charges for cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 are:
- Simon Chatfield, 51, (DOB: 19/03/1974), Lower Bourne, Farnham, GU10
- Russell George, 50, (DOB: 27/04/1974), Newtown, Wales, SY16
- Amy Hind, 34, (DOB: 13/07/1990), Loughton, Essex, IG10
- Anthony Hind, 36, (DOB: 12/09/1988), Loughton, Essex, IG10
- Jeremy Hunt, 55, (DOB: 08/04/1970), Horne, Horley, RH6, (former Police Officer)
- Thomas James, 38, (DOB: 15/09/1986), Brecon, Wales, LD3
- Charlotte Lang, 36, (DOB: 15/02/1989), Brixton, SW9
- Anthony Lee, 47, (DOB: 24/04/1977), Bristol, BS1
- Iain Makepeace, 47, (DOB: 15/08/1977), Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16
- Nick Mason, 51, (DOB: 03/10/1973), Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8
- Paul Place, 53, (DOB: 11/05/1971), Hammersmith, London, W6
- James Ward, 40, (DOB: 12/08/1984), London, E11
- Jacob Willmer, 39, (DOB: 06/07/1985), Richmond, London, TW9
Those charged are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court at 10am on Friday 13 June 2025.
When it opened its investigation, the Gambling Commission told iGB it was looking into several election betting offences but declined to comment on specific cases.
“The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the interests of consumers and the wider public,” a Commission spokesperson said. “Currently the Commission is investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election.
“If someone uses confidential information in order to gain an unfair advantage when betting, this may constitute an offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act, which is a criminal offence,” the Commission told iGB.
More to follow…
The UK Gambling Commission has charged 15 people following its investigation into election betting offences, launched in June 2024. The case was opened when a number of individuals with inside information were suspected of betting on the date of the UK’s July general election, before it was announced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.