London, United Kingdom – The Gambling Commission in the UK is investigating allegations of betting on the date of the general election involving members of the Conservative Party. The Sunday Times has reported that a senior Conservative Party official placed multiple bets on the election date, potentially winning thousands of pounds. This news comes following similar investigations into other Conservative election candidates and party officials.
The Conservative Party official under scrutiny has denied any wrongdoing, with the party stating that they are unable to comment on ongoing Gambling Commission investigations. Laura Saunders and Craig Williams, both connected to the Conservative Party, have confirmed being part of the investigation. Saunders, a candidate in Bristol North West, has been working with the Tories since 2015. Additionally, Saunders’s partner, Tony Lee, the Conservative director of campaigning, is also being looked into over alleged bets and has taken a leave of absence.
The initial allegations surfaced against Craig Williams, a close aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who reportedly placed a bet on the election date before it was announced. Williams has since apologized for his actions, acknowledging a “huge error of judgement.” The controversy has led to calls from opposition parties, such as Labour and the Liberal Democrats, for the suspension of the implicated Conservative candidates.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove has condemned the reports, likening the situation to the Partygate scandal during the Covid-19 crisis. The ongoing investigations by the Gambling Commission are focused on potential breaches of the Gambling Act, with individuals facing criminal offenses if found guilty of using confidential information for betting advantage. The Metropolitan Police has also become involved, arresting a police constable from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command in connection with alleged election date bets.