Oh dear. Now it has transpired that the Prime Minister’s closest parliamentary aide, Craig Williams, placed a £100 bet on there being a July election — just three days before a rain-drenched Rishi Sunak announced the date to the public.
The Guardian has tonight revealed that the Gambling Commission has launched an inquiry into the PM’s private secretary after Williams placed a bet with Ladbrokes on Sunday 19 May. With odds of 5/1, Williams was set to receive £500. After the bet was placed, it is understood that a red flag was raised by the gambling company, as Williams’ was flagged as a ‘politically exposed person’ and the bookmaker was keeping tabs on ‘novelty’ markets.
In a statement, the Welsh MP has since said:
I put a flutter on the general election some weeks ago. This has resulted in some routine inquiries and I confirm I will fully cooperate with these. I don’t want it to be a distraction from the campaign, I should have thought how it looks.
Using confidential information to one’s advantage when placing a bet may constitute a criminal offence, and the Gambling Commission has refused to comment specifically on the situation. Stay tuned…
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