Camelot wins right to bid again

Earlier this week the Watford-based lottery operator’s lawyers labelled the Lottery Commission’s decision to exclude the operator from the second round of talks as ‘manifestly and grossly’ unfair.

Plans put forward last month by both Camelot and The People’s Lottery were rejected because neither bid was deemed good enough. Camelot, however, sought a judicial review after the commission chose to recommence the process, but this time with only one bidder – the KPMG-assisted People’s Lottery.

The commission considered the best way forward was to discuss ways in which the bid – the brainchild of Sir Richard Branson – could be improved.

Mr Justice Richards ruled the lottery commission’s decision to negotiate only with Virgin boss Sir Richard was unlawful and should be quashed, according to Guardian Unlimited.

He said: ‘The commission, while intending to be fair, has decided a procedure that results in conspicuous unfairness to Camelot – such unfairness as to render the decision unlawful.’

Today’s decision means Camelot will also be able to alter its bid for a second attempt to win the lucrative seven-year licence.

Dianne Thompson, the company’s chief executive designate, told PA news: ‘We are absolutely delighted. We thought it (the commission’s decision) was grossly unfair and that it was unlawful. We are back in the race which is all that we wanted.’

Reports suggest that The People’s Lottery will not be appealing against the decision.

Links

Camelot bids to overturn lottery ruling

Camelot go to court over lottery loss

Neither bidder wins National Lottery

KPMG selected to help Virgin win lottery from Camelot.