Former Conservative Party campaign chief admits cheating over election bets
Some 10 other defendants still face proceedings related to the Gambling Commission’s probe into bets on the election date.
UK.- The former Conservative Party campaign chief Anthony Lee and his wife Laura Saunders have admitted cheating related to gambling. They used confidential information when placing bets on the timing of the UK’s 2024 general election.
Appearing at Southwark Crown Court today (10 September), Lee pleaded guilty to two offences, while Saunders admitted one. The pair are now due to be sentenced in October.
The court heard that Lee passed on confidential information concerning when former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak intended to call the general election. Saunders, who was standing as a parliamentary candidate for Bristol North-West at the time, subsequently placed bets on the date of the election.
The case forms part of a wider investigation conducted by the Gambling Commission. Another 10 defendants still face proceedings with trials scheduled for September 2027 and January 2028.
Former Conservative MP Craig Williams, who served as Sunak’s closest parliamentary aide at the time, had already pleaded guilty in late June and is awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors said Williams placed three wagers on the date of the 2024 general election, worth £250, £100 and £22.50. Gambling companies are required to apply enhanced checks on politically exposed persons (PEPs). As a result, the operator Ladbrokes flagged up Williams’ bets for scrutiny. The former MP acknowledged that he had made a “huge error of judgement”.
