A politician is one of five people who could be prosecuted over using inside knowledge to bet on the date of the UK general election. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Five facing charges

Up to five people, including a politician, could potentially face prosecution from the UK Gambling Commission over betting on the date of the 2024 UK general election, according to Sky News.

at least three people will face charges, but the figure could rise to five

The report stated that at least three people will face charges, but the figure could rise to five, which includes a politician and a bodyguard. 

The bets relate to the timing rather than the result of the election, with the bettors presumed to have inside knowledge that then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would call an early general election.

Growing scandal

UK elections are not set on specific dates, and incumbent Prime Minsters may opt to call them earlier for any reason. On May 22, Sunak made the shocking announcement of an early July 4 election date.

The scandal began in the month following the announcement, when Craig Williams, who was MP for Montgomeryshire and Sunak’s private secretary at the time, revealed that he was under investigation for placing a £100 ($126) bet, which he placed days before the announcement.

The situation snowballed from there, as other politicians were called into the investigation, including Sunak’s chief of staff Liam Booth-Smith and former deputy prime minister Sir Oliver Dowden.

The police investigation, which inquired into offenses such as Misconduct in Public Office, concluded without charges. However, the Gambling Commission investigation continued, which concerns whether the bets breached Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 (Cheating). 

The punishment for breaching the act is up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

The act states that “a person commits an offence if he (a) cheats at gambling, or (b) does anything for the purpose of enabling or assisting another person to cheat at gambling.” The punishment for breaching the act is up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

Investigation continues

The Gambling Commission is still continuing the investigation, which has been going on since early June when Williams announced he was being questioned. An official announcement is not believed to be imminent.

Speaking to Sky News, a UKGC spokesperson said: “We clearly appreciate the level of public interest there is in this ongoing investigation.” 

to ensure a fair and just outcome, we are unable to comment further at this time” 

“But to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure a fair and just outcome, we are unable to comment further at this time, including the name of any person who may be under suspicion, or the total number of suspects.”