A police officer has been arrested in connection to the UK’s emerging election betting scandal. The officer, who worked as part of the prime minister’s close protection team, was suspended by the Metropolitan Police prior to his arrest.
Last Friday, the Met was informed by the regulator that a police constable from the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command was under investigation over alleged bets. The officer was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office on Monday, and has now been bailed pending further enquiries.
Close protection officers are specialist bodyguards responsible for the protection of high-profile individuals such as government ministers.
“We can confirm that on Friday, 14 June, the Met were contacted by the Gambling Commission who informed us that they were investigating alleged bets made by a Police Constable from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, which were related to the timing of the general election,” a spokesperson for Scotland Yard said, speaking to The Independent.
“The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties.”
Investigation ongoing at the Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission is currently investigating all significant bets placed on the July election, in the three weeks preceding Sunak’s announcement.
Concerns were raised initially when senior aide and Conservative candidate Craig Williams was found to have placed a bet on the date of the election three days prior to it being announced.
Just days ago, the regulator wrote to all licensed bookmakers to request data on any bets where customers stood to win more than £199 by betting on the election date. The three-page letter asked for the bookmakers’ cooperation with the ongoing investigation, and confirmed the regulator’s concerns about betting integrity around the election date.
A second Conservative candidate is under investigation
On Wednesday evening, it was revealed that another Conservative candidate is now being looked into by the Gambling Commission. The candidate in question, Laura Saunders, is married to Tony Lee, the party’s Director of Campaigns.
Saunders is currently standing as the Conservative candidate in Bristol North West.
“We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals. As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldn’t be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded,” a Conservative Party spokesperson said to BBC News.
Liberal Democrats call for an official inquiry
Calls for an inquiry into the emerging scandal are now growing, particularly amongst opposition parties.
“Rishi Sunak must call a Cabinet Office inquiry into what is shaping up to be yet another scandal at the heart of Government,” said Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats.
“This stinks of yet more sleaze and answers are needed. An inquiry is needed to understand who knew what and when.”
The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the interests of consumers and the public.
“Currently the commission is investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election,” a spokesperson said. “This is an ongoing investigation, and the commission cannot provide any further details at this time.”
