The UK’s Labour party suspended a candidate, Kevin Craig for betting against himself ahead of the upcoming general elections in the country, following which the Gambling Commission launched an investigation into him.
Craig is on the run to become the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich – a safe Conservative seat that was previously held by ex-Tory Dan Poulter, who defected to Labour ahead of the election and is not running again.
The party confirmed Craig’s suspension from the party, however as this is at a late stage, he will still appear on the ballot paper with “Labour” next to his name.
The suspended candidate will also return £100,000 in donations to the businessman that he has made since Sir Keir Starmer took charge of Labour, Sky News reported.
Taking to X, Labour Party’s Craig said, “Throughout my life I have enjoyed the odd bet for fun whether on politics or horses. A few weeks ago when I thought I would never win this seat I put a bet on the Tories to win here with the intention of giving any winnings to local charities.”
He further said, “While I did not place this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome, this was a huge mistake, for which I apologise unreservedly. I have so much respect for how Keir Starmer has changed the Labour Party and I have been fighting so hard to win this seat and change the country alongside him. However, it is right that the party upholds the highest standards for its Parliamentary candidates – just as the public expects the highest standards from any party hoping to serve in government.”
Craig expressed his regret for his actions and said that he will take the consequences of this ‘stupid error of judgement on the chin’.
“I am deeply sorry to the many dedicated and loyal local Labour Party volunteers who have been supporting my campaign. I will comply fully with the investigation,” he added.
The incident came just few days after two Conservative candidates were suspended by their party for allegedly placing bets on when the election date would be.
Comments
0 comment