UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing calls for an inquiry following the arrest of a member of his security detail for allegedly betting on the timing of the general election.
London’s Metropolitan Police were alerted by the Gambling Commission about the officer, a close protection member, who is now under investigation for the alleged bets.
Additionally, Conservative party candidate Craig Williams, who previously served as Sunak’s ministerial aide, is under scrutiny for allegedly placing a bet on the election date.
Another party candidate, Laura Saunders, is also being investigated. Saunders is married to the Conservative Campaign Headquarters’ director of campaigns, Tony Lee, who took a leave of absence following the investigation’s initiation.
Senior minister Michael Gove remarked that the situation “doesn’t look great” and emphasized that using insider information to place bets is “reprehensible.” Labour leader Keir Starmer called on Sunak to withdraw support for those involved and demanded accountability from the Prime Minister.
The allegations against Williams surfaced after he allegedly placed a £100 bet on the election date three days before Sunak’s announcement. The officer in question has been suspended from operational duties and is currently out on bail. The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for further investigation.
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Sunak’s decision to hold the general election on July 4, earlier than required, has also drawn criticism, especially as polls suggest a significant lead for the opposition Labour party, indicating potential heavy losses for the Conservatives.
The situation underscores the broader issues within the Conservative party, which has been criticized for prioritizing profit over public service. The party’s campaign has been marred by multiple gaffes, further diminishing Sunak’s already low approval ratings.
Labour’s campaign co-ordinator Pat McFadden and Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey have both criticized the Conservative party, calling for stringent measures to address the allegations and prevent similar incidents in the future.
