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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.

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

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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