**Former MP Craig Williams to Wait Until 2028 for Trial Over Alleged Gambling Offences**
Craig Williams, a former Conservative MP and once a close aide to ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is facing a lengthy wait before he stands trial on serious allegations of cheating at gambling. Mr Williams, aged 40 and hailing from Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Friday as proceedings begin in what is shaping up to be a high-profile case.
Mr Williams is among 15 defendants accused of placing bets on the date of the 2024 general election, allegedly using confidential information to gain an unfair advantage. He faces one main charge of cheating at gambling and three further charges of facilitating or assisting others to cheat. Dressed formally for the hearing, Williams did not enter any plea, pending a potential application to dismiss the charges, with that legal move scheduled for consideration on 19 January next year.
Given the complexity and number of individuals involved, the court has decided to split the accused into two separate trials. The first trial is scheduled for September 2027, while the second, which will include Mr Williams, is set for January 2028. This means Williams is likely to experience over two more years of uncertainty before his case is heard in full.
The allegations stem from “Operation Scott”, a Gambling Commission investigation that probed the betting activities of politicians and Conservative Party employees ahead of the 2024 election. According to prosecution counsel Sam Stein KC, those charged are suspected of exploiting privileged information regarding the election date—information allegedly gleaned from high-level political meetings at Downing Street and the Conservative campaign headquarters.
The case has attracted significant public attention, not least because Mr Williams previously served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to then-Prime Minister Sunak. The Prime Minister himself has submitted a witness statement, clarifying that while he had mentioned the election would occur in the latter half of 2024, he did not disclose an exact date. The prosecution contends that any betting based on such confidential knowledge constitutes a criminal offence under existing gambling laws.
Among the other defendants are notable Conservative figures, including former Senedd Member Russell George and Thomas James, the currently suspended director of the Welsh Conservatives. Both have already indicated they will plead not guilty, as have ten other co-accused who had their cases heard previously.
If found guilty, those involved could face prison sentences of up to two years. The full list of defendants spans those from various backgrounds, including political staffers and a former police officer. Three, including Williams, have yet to confirm how they intend to plead.
Williams’ parliamentary career began with his election as MP for Cardiff North in 2015, a seat he lost two years later to Labour’s Anna McMorrin. He returned to Westminster in 2019, this time for Montgomeryshire, holding the position until losing his seat during the July 2024 election.
The allegations have raised important questions regarding the use of insider information within political circles and the responsibilities of public figures in upholding the integrity of both the gambling industry and the democratic process. The extended timeline of the case reflects judicial caution, ensuring each of the 15 defendants receives a fair assessment of their alleged involvement.
With the first trial not due to begin until late 2027, stakeholders across the political and legal spectrum are bracing for further developments. The outcome of this case is expected to set a notable precedent on how such allegations are handled, particularly for those holding—or previously holding—public office.
As this legal saga unfolds over the coming years, Mr Williams and his co-defendants remain under the scrutiny of both the courts and the public, with the ultimate outcome likely to resonate far beyond the individuals directly involved.