The Labour Party suspended Kevin Craig after it was revealed that he has been put under investigation by the UK Gambling Commission over allegations surrounding gambling. Tuesday also saw Russell George become the latest member of the Conservatives to be confirmed as a suspect in the UKGC’s probe.
Mr Craig admitted to having wagered against himself in a statement issued on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and apologised for the deed. He began by sharing that he has gambled on horse racing and politics in the past and that his decision to place a bet on the election had been in part due to him lacking the confidence that he could ever win the position in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. “While I did not place this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome,” he continued, “this was a huge mistake.” Mr Craig assured that he will be complying with the Commission’s investigation and that he is in support of the Labour Party’s policy of holding its candidates to the highest standards.
Kevin Craig has been known to provide generous donations to the Labour Party throughout the years Keir Starmer has been at its helm, with the total figure amounting to £100,000. Due to the circumstances of the gambling scandal, however, the party has reached the decision to return the money.
The UKGC Alleges Russell George Also Partook in General Election Gambling
As for the Tories, it was revealed on June 25th that Craig Williams and Laura Sanders’ respective general election campaigns would no longer be supported by the party in light of their involvement in the scandal. This action was taken after the Conservatives discussed the matter with the Gambling Commission and were assured that the ongoing investigation would not be compromised as a result.
As established, another Conservative official has been named by the UKGC. This was revealed by Welsh Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies, who issued a statement on the matter after he was informed that Russel George had stepped back from the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet as he had been accused of having wagered on when the general election would be held. Like Craig Williams, Mr George is a representative of Montgomeryshire. Mr Davies also emphasised that aside from Mr George, no other Welsh Conservative members have admitted to having wagered. They have, instead, confirmed that they have not partaken in betting.
Apart from political figures, members of the Metropolitan Police Force have also been scrutinised for having allegedly wagered on the general election’s date. Initially, an officer who had been a part of the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command and tasked with guarding Rishi Sunak was the only Met member who was tied to the scandal. However, yesterday, the Met confirmed that an additional five individuals are being accused of having committed similar transgressions. No arrest warrants have been issued for now. However, the police force stressed that the Doctorate of Professional Standards knows of the allegations and that decisions will be made on when or if the officers involved will face consequences for their alleged betting offences.
- Author
Daniel Williams
