UK Prime Minister’s Top Aide Reportedly Placed Bet on Election Timing Days Before Announcement

A £100 bet in the United Kingdom is causing a stir amongst British politicians.

Craig Williams, a private secretary for the Prime Minister, allegedly placed a £100 bet at the British sportsbook Ladbrokes on a July Prime Minister election just three days before the announcement, according to the Guardian.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on May 22 that there would be a Prime Minister election in July. Williams allegedly placed the bet on May 19.

Williams placed the bet at 5-1 odds and was in line to win £500 before Ladbrokes alerted the Gambling Commission.

"Ladbrokes referred the case to the Gambling Commission, which is understood to have launched an inquiry," The Guardian's Pippa Crerar wrote. "The Guardian understands the regulator informed Downing Street officials last week. Using confidential information to gain an unfair advantage when betting may constitute a criminal offence."

Williams said he will cooperate with the investigation.

“I put a flutter on the general election some weeks ago," Williams said in a statement. "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.”

The last Prime Minister general election was in 2019 when Boris Johnson won. Johnson resigned in 2023, giving the seat to Sunak knowing there would be an election the following year.

Election gambling is legal in the United Kingdom with odds for the U.S. President. It is not legal in the United States or any state jurisdiction.

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