UK Conservative Party Faces Election Betting Scandal; Nick Mason Under Investigation

Jun 23, 2024, 07:28 AM

The Conservative Party in the UK is embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of insider betting on the date of the upcoming general election. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced intense scrutiny after failing to deny whether cabinet ministers were involved. The scandal intensified with reports that Nick Mason, the Conservative Party's chief data officer, is under investigation by the Gambling Commission for allegedly placing dozens of bets before the election date was publicly announced. The investigation has expanded to include several other senior Tory officials and potentially many more individuals. A sixfold rise in bets on May 21, the day before Sunak announced the election date, raised suspicions. Craig Williams, a Tory candidate, is also implicated. The scandal has led to calls for suspensions and has significantly undermined the party's election campaign. A furious punter claimed to have lost £2,000 due to the alleged insider trading.