Story perspectives

Operation Scott: Conservative Official Pleads Guilty to Election-Date Betting

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Craig Williams pleaded guilty to election-date betting at Southwark Crown Court in London.
Operation Scott, a Gambling Commission probe, uncovered a network of Conservative officials betting on the 2024 election date.
Thirteen co-defendants, including senior party staff and a former MP, have pleaded not guilty and face trials in September 2027 and January 2028.
Williams will be sentenced after the co-defendants’ trials, while all accused remain on unconditional bail.

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Story summary

Craig Williams pleaded guilty to election-date betting at Southwark Crown Court in London.
Operation Scott, a Gambling Commission probe, uncovered a network of Conservative officials betting on the 2024 election date.
Thirteen co-defendants, including senior party staff and a former MP, have pleaded not guilty and face trials in September 2027 and January 2028.
Williams will be sentenced after the co-defendants’ trials, while all accused remain on unconditional bail.