Craig Williams, who is standing for the Conservatives in Montgomeryshire & Glyndwr, has been investigated by the Gambling Commission for reportedly gambling on the date of the next general election. Lord Cameron, the foreign secretary and former PM, criticized Williams for his “clearly very foolish decision.” Williams posted on social media that the Gambling Commission is making “routine inquiries” after he placed “a flutter” and that he is cooperating with that inquiry. Williams’ situation is being investigated, and Lord Cameron said, “I think we have to let the investigation take place.”
The Guardian reports that Mr Williams is alleged to have placed a £100 bet on a July election days before Rishi Sunak announced the 4 July poll, with a potential £500 payout, labeling the allegations “utterly extraordinary”. The Gambling Commission has the authority to enforce severe action against Mr Williams, who is already on the ballot under the Conservative banner, according to Lord Cameron. Conservative Wales Office minister Fay Jones confirmed the Gambling Commission had “spoken to” Mr Williams, stating that they were making some preliminary investigations. Political opponents reacted sharply, with Welsh Labour’s Stephen Kinnock labelling the situation “utterly extraordinary.” Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts commented that “It begs the questions of what Mr Williams’ judgement was in relation to putting a date on what we presume to be the general election.”
According to a spokesperson for the Gambling Commission, the confidential use of information to gain an unfair advantage when betting “may constitute an offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act, which is a criminal offence.” However, the Gambling Commission has not confirmed the details of the investigation until it is concluded or if charges are brought during a criminal investigation. Meanwhile, the BBC has contacted Mr Williams for an official statement, but he has not made any statement in the matter so far. The other candidates that are standing in Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr can be found on BBC’s website as well.
Please check out the Election Essential newsletter for daily political analysis and the latest UK election campaign developments straight to your inbox.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More