Expanding Scandal: Five More Officers Implicated in Election Betting Scheme Amidst Tory Turmoil

Additional police officers implicated in election wagering controversy

Following the arrest of a security detail member for Rishi Sunak last week, allegations have now extended to include five additional officers. The investigation also encompasses two Conservative candidates and two party officials.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 4:

The Metropolitan Police has reported that an additional five officers are accused of wagering on the date of the general election.

The department reported receiving details concerning the officers from the Gambling Commission following the arrest of a security detail member for Rishi Sunak, who was taken into custody last week on suspicion of placing illegal bets regarding a July election.

The election efforts of the Conservative Party have been thrown into turmoil due to the controversy, with investigations currently underway involving two of their candidates and two party officials by the regulatory authority.

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A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: "We have previously announced that a Metropolitan officer was arrested on Monday, June 17, for misconduct in public office concerning wagers made on the timing of the general election.

The officer, a constable in the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, has been assigned to limited duties.

Currently, just one officer remains subject to a criminal probe.

Sources indicate that the Gambling Commission has provided information suggesting that an additional five officers were involved in placing wagers concerning the timing of the election.

The officers are assigned to the Royalty and Specialist Command, the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, and the Central West Basic Command Unit. None of these officers serve in a close protection capacity.

"Whether any restrictions will be applied will be determined in due time."

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On Tuesday, the Conservative Party revoked its endorsement of two members under investigation, Craig Williams and Laura Saunders.

Despite their names still being listed under the Tory banner on the ballot papers for next Thursday's election, these individuals will not receive any further backing from the party throughout the remainder of the campaign and are not permitted to identify as Conservatives.

It is believed that their future as Conservatives post-election hinges on the findings of the Gambling Commission's inquiry.

The decision was made following nearly a fortnight of mounting pressure on Mr. Sunak to take action against the two individuals, although he had earlier stated that he was awaiting the outcome of the commission's inquiry.

He has initiated an investigation by the Conservative Party into the allegations.

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Members of the Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) unit are tasked with ensuring the safety of prime ministers, ministers, royalty, ambassadors, and visiting dignitaries. Additionally, they are responsible for the security of specific sites.

Members of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command are tasked with safeguarding the Houses of Parliament. Meanwhile, the Central West Basic Command Unit is responsible for policing the London boroughs of Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Kensington and Chelsea.

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A spokesperson from the Gambling Commission stated, "The commission is presently examining potential violations related to the election date. As this investigation is active, we are unable to disclose additional information at this moment." The spokesperson added, "We neither confirm nor deny the involvement of any specific individuals in this matter."

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