Official statements from the Conservative Party

Sunak's Conservative Party Faces Scandal Over Multiple Election Betting Probes

Jun 20, 2024, 11:42 AM

A gambling scandal has engulfed the Conservative Party, with multiple individuals linked to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak being investigated for allegedly placing bets on the timing of the general election. A close protection officer for Sunak has been arrested and suspended, while Tony Lee, the party's director of campaigns, has taken a leave of absence. Lee's wife, Laura Sanders, a Conservative candidate, is also under investigation. Additionally, Craig Williams, a candidate for Montgomeryshire, is facing scrutiny. The scandal has prompted calls for an inquiry, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanding the suspension of the candidates involved. The Gambling Commission is probing the matter, and there are allegations of insider trading as a surge in bets was observed just before Sunak's announcement of the election date. The bets reportedly involved amounts as low as £400 and have led to a police probe into the second candidate.