Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
News

Labour candidate, Kevin Craig, suspended for betting against his own success in the election

A former Labour parliamentary candidate admitted to making a "stupid error" by betting against his own success in the election.

The party suspended Kevin Craig, Labour's candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, after the Gambling Commission launched an investigation into his actions.

Kevin Craig of the Labour Party
Kevin Craig
Kevin Craig, former Labour candidate for the July '24 general election

In 2019, Conservative candidate Dan Poulter secured the seat with a majority of just over 20,000 votes. Poulter later defected to Labour.

Craig issued a statement on social media, clarifying that he "did not place this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome" and had intended to donate any winnings to local charities.

"This was a huge mistake, for which I apologise unreservedly," Craig stated. "I have immense respect for how Keir Starmer has transformed the Labour Party and have been working tirelessly to win this seat and support change in the country alongside him. However, it is essential that the party maintains the highest standards for its parliamentary candidates, just as the public expects from any party aiming to govern."

In addition, Labour returned a £100,000 donation by Craig in May 2023. Since 2005, Craig has donated £196,600 to the party.

A Labour spokeswoman commented, "Under Keir Starmer's leadership, the Labour Party upholds the highest standards for our parliamentary candidates, as the public rightly expects from any party aspiring to govern, which is why we have acted immediately in this case."

This incident coincides with the Conservative Party's decision to withdraw support from two candidates, Craig Williams (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr) and Laura Saunders (Bristol North West), who are also under investigation by the Gambling Commission for alleged betting on the date of the general election.

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Ipswich Central, Start, Build & Grow and Kingsfleet

Aerial view of Ipswich town centre and waterfront

Ipswich Central

Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, waterfront, and 'Connected Town' area.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
News

SEN Santa sessions at Buttermarket this weekend

Santa will turn down the music and limit numbers at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre this weekend after parents asked for calmer festive events for children with special educational needs (SEN).
by
Continue reading →
News

Suffolk researchers test whether singing can treat Parkinson's 'poker face'

Researchers in Suffolk are launching what they believe is the first UK study testing whether musical-theatre-style singing can rehabilitate facial expression in Parkinson's patients – addressing a symptom that affects around 9 in 10 people but has limited treatment options.
by
Continue reading →
News

Woman fighting for life after hit-and-run on Burrell Road

A woman is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being hit by a car whose driver fled the scene on Burrell Road in Ipswich this morning, with a man in his 30s now arrested in connection with the incident.
by
Continue reading →

Ipswich Central, Start, Build & Grow and Kingsfleet

Aerial view of Ipswich town centre and waterfront

Ipswich Central

Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, waterfront, and 'Connected Town' area.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
News

Gym manager's childhood inspires hospital toy appeal

A Martlesham gym manager who spent much of her childhood in hospital has launched a toy appeal that has collected nearly 150 Christmas gifts for young patients at Ipswich Hospital.
by
Continue reading →

Ipswich Central, Start, Build & Grow and Kingsfleet

Aerial view of Ipswich town centre and waterfront

Ipswich Central

Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, waterfront, and 'Connected Town' area.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
News

Police appeal for witnesses after Pearl Road burglary

Detectives are investigating a burglary at a home on Pearl Road in Ipswich on Monday evening, where jewellery and bank cards were stolen and used fraudulently.
by
Continue reading →
Load more content
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,630+ people are already loving it