Former Conservative MP Craig Williams pleaded guilty on Monday at Southwark Crown Court to cheating at gambling by wagering on the date of the 2024 general election.
The 41-year-old, who served as parliamentary private secretary to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, placed multiple bets before the election was publicly announced.
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Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC said Williams used his access to government discussions to make the wagers, including bets of £250, £100, and £22.50.
“He used highly sensitive and confidential information to place bets and to profit,” Johnson stated.
Williams was part of meetings in Downing Street and Conservative headquarters where the election date was discussed, the court heard.
Three additional cheating allegations against Williams will be dismissed during sentencing due to his guilty plea.
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The case stems from “Operation Scott,” a Gambling Commission investigation into illicit betting by political figures.
Co-defendant Amy Hind, 35, also pleaded guilty after attempting to place bets of up to £767 and £700, following a successful £100 wager at 11-1 odds.
Prosecutors dropped a related charge against her husband, Anthony Hind, 37, who was accused of passing insider information.
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Twelve other individuals pleaded not guilty to similar charges at the same hearing. Their trials are scheduled for September 2027 and January 2028.
