Official election results published by the UK Electoral Commission

Conservatives Withdraw Support from Craig Williams and Laura Saunders in Betting Scandal

Jun 25, 2024, 09:44 AM

The UK Conservative Party has withdrawn support from two parliamentary candidates, Craig Williams and Laura Saunders, following allegations of betting on the date of the upcoming general election. This decision comes after mounting pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take action amid an ongoing investigation by the Gambling Commission. The scandal, dubbed 'Gamblegate,' has intensified scrutiny on the party just over a week before polling day. Senior Tories had called for the suspension of those involved, and the Labour Party demanded transparency regarding the individuals implicated in the betting circle. The investigation includes a suspicious £504 bet on the election date, set for July 4. Despite the withdrawal of support, it is too late to remove Williams, who is Sunak’s parliamentary aide, and Saunders from the ballot.