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The Gambling Commission has charged 15 people - including former MP Craig Williams and ex-CCHQ campaigning boss Tony Lee - over bets placed on the timing of the 2024 general election.

Mr Williams was among a number of people linked to the Conservative Party reported to have made bets on the election date, which was called by then-prime minister Rishi Sunak.

The former Montgomeryshire MP admitted at the time to having a "flutter" on the election date just days before it was announced in May last year.

They have all been charged with cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which is a criminal offence.

Among others facing charges are Russell George, the Senedd member for Montgomeryshire, and Nick Mason, a former chief data officer for the Conservative Party.

Laura Saunders, who was Tory candidate for Bristol North West at the election and is married to the party's campaign chief, has also been charged with the same offence.

Those charged are:

• Simon Chatfield, 51, (DOB: 19/03/1974), Lower Bourne, Farnham, GU10
• Russell George, 50, (DOB: 27/04/1974), Newtown, Wales, SY16
• Amy Hind, 34, (DOB: 13/07/1990), Loughton, Essex, IG10
• Anthony Hind, 36, (DOB: 12/09/1988), Loughton, Essex, IG10
• Jeremy Hunt, 55, (DOB: 08/04/1970), Horne, Horley, RH6, (former Police Officer)
• Thomas James, 38, (DOB: 15/09/1986), Brecon, Wales, LD3
• Charlotte Lang, 36, (DOB: 15/02/1989), Brixton, SW9
• Anthony Lee, 47, (DOB: 24/04/1977), Bristol, BS1
• Iain Makepeace, 47, (DOB: 15/08/1977), Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16
• Nick Mason, 51, (DOB: 03/10/1973), Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8
• Paul Place, 53, (DOB: 11/05/1971), Hammersmith, London, W6
• Laura Saunders, 37, (DOB: 23/02/1988), Bristol, BS1
• James Ward, 40, (DOB: 12/08/1984), London, E11
• Craig Williams, 39, (DOB: 07/06/1985), Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21
• Jacob Willmer, 39, (DOB: 06/07/1985), Richmond, London, TW9

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court at 10am on Friday 13 June 2025.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.

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