British Labour Party suspends Kevin Craig for betting against himself

The British Labour Party suspended candidate Kevin Craig for betting against himself ahead of the upcoming general election. The Gambling Commission then launched an investigation against him.

Craig is seeking a seat as MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich – a safe Conservative seat previously held by former Tory Dan Poulter, who defected to Labour before the election and is not standing for re-election.

The party confirmed Craig’s expulsion from the party, but as it comes at a late stage he will still appear on the ballot paper with “Labour” next to his name.

The suspended candidate will also pay the businessman back £100,000 in donations he has made since Sir Keir Starmer took over the Labour Party. Sky News reported.

Labour’s Craig told X: “All my life I have occasionally bet on politics or horses for fun. A few weeks ago, when I thought I would never win this seat, I bet on a Tories victory with the intention of donating the winnings to local charities.”

He continued: “While I did not make this bet without prior knowledge of the outcome, this was a huge mistake for which I apologise unreservedly. I have enormous respect for how Keir Starmer has transformed the Labour Party and I fought so hard to win this seat and change the country alongside him. However, it is right that the party maintains the highest standards for its parliamentary candidates – just as the public expects the highest standards from any party hoping to sit in government.”

Craig expressed regret for his actions and said he would face the consequences of this “stupid error of judgment.”

“I am deeply sorry to the many dedicated and loyal local Labour volunteers who supported my campaign. I will fully support the investigation,” he added.

The incident occurred just days after two Conservative candidates were suspended by their party for allegedly placing bets on the election date.