Labour Candidate Suspended in Betting Scandal, £100K Donation Returned Amid Election Turmoil

Labour's Kevin Craig Faces Suspension for Self-Betting Allegations

An investigation has been initiated by the Gambling Commission into Kevin Craig, a hopeful for the Labour MP position in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, following accusations that he placed bets against his own success. Additionally, Labour is reportedly in the process of refunding £100,000 donated by Craig to the party.

Political correspondent @NifS

Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 9:

A candidate from the Labour Party has been suspended after he placed bets against his own success, prompting the Gambling Commission to initiate an investigation into his actions.

Kevin Craig has launched his campaign to be elected as the Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipsouth, a constituency that has been a stronghold for the Conservatives. This seat was formerly represented by Dan Poulter, a former Conservative who switched to the Labour Party before the election and has decided not to seek re-election.

Sky News' lead political reporter Jon Craig believes the wager concerned the results of the election in his district – with the candidate actually gambling on his own defeat in the race.

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Labour has announced that Kevin Craig has been suspended from the party. However, since the decision comes so close to the election, his name will remain on the ballot alongside the label "Labour."

It is reported that the party will reimburse the businessman £100,000 for contributions he has made since Sir Keir Starmer assumed leadership of Labour.

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On X, Mr. Craig shared that he has "occasionally indulged in betting for entertainment" throughout his life, noting, "A few weeks back, when I believed winning this seat was out of reach, I wagered on the Tories claiming victory in this area, planning to donate any proceeds to local charities."

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"Although I made this wager without any foreknowledge of the results, it was a significant error for which I offer my sincere apologies."

He expressed his "immense respect" for Sir Keir and agreed that it is "essential for the party to maintain the highest criteria for its parliamentary candidates, just as the public demands the highest standards from any party aspiring to govern."

Mr. Craig stated he would fully cooperate with the Gambling Commission's inquiry and offered an apology to his local Labour colleagues, noting, "I sincerely regret my actions and am prepared to accept the repercussions of this foolish mistake."

A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated: "Under the leadership of [Sir] Keir Starmer, we maintain the strictest standards for our parliamentary candidates, in line with what the public rightfully anticipates from any party aspiring to govern. That is the reason for our swift action in this instance."

The event follows the suspension of two Tory candidates by their party, accused of gambling on the anticipated date of the election.

Claims surfaced nearly two weeks prior, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stating that he would hold off on any decisions until the Gambling Commission's investigation was concluded.

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In a surprising reversal announced today, both candidates have been suspended, yet the Conservative Party label will remain on the voting slips.

Two officials from the Conservative Party and a member of Mr. Sunak’s security detail are under investigation by the Gambling Commission for allegedly betting on when the election would occur.

On the same day, it was disclosed that Russell George, a Conservative MSP from Wales, is also subject to an inquiry by the commission.

According to a declaration by Andrew RT Davies, the head of the Welsh Conservatives, Mr. George will temporarily relinquish his duties as the deputy chief whip of the party in the Senedd during the ongoing investigation.

Scotland Secretary Alister Jack has refuted allegations of misconduct following claims that he profited over £2,000 from wagers on when the election would occur.

He conveyed to Sky News, "I am absolutely certain that I have not violated any regulations set by the Gambling Commission at any time. In particular, I did not engage in any betting activities on the day of the general election in May (the timeframe being scrutinized by the Gambling Commission). Additionally, I have no knowledge of any bets made by relatives or acquaintances."

"To clarify based on my previous statement, it's clear that the Gambling Commission has not reached out to me."

Mr. Craig established and currently heads PLMR, a marketing and public relations firm. His profile on the company's website highlights his expertise in political communications, crisis management, and corporate communications.

He also spent 17 years as a Labour council member in London.

Below is a complete roster of individuals campaigning for a seat in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich:

Charlie Caiger, unaffiliated; Tony Gould, Reform UK; Mike Hallatt, unaffiliated; Brett Alistair Mickelburgh, Liberal Democrats; Dan Pratt, Green Party; Patrick Spencer, Conservative Party.

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