Expanding Scandal: Multiple Conservative Figures and Sunak Aide Under Investigation in Election Betting Probe

Several individuals scrutinized for potential electoral wagering violations

By Sunday noon, investigations were underway involving four Tory representatives or party members, along with a key parliamentary aide to Rishi Sunak.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Sunday, June 23, 2024, 11:

Sky News has learned that the gambling watchdog is probing a larger group of individuals than initially recognized by prominent Conservatives, concerning wagers placed on the timing of the general election.

In a significant update, the regulatory body has expanded its investigation to explore if individuals possessing confidential information might have had bets placed on their behalf by an intermediary.

Sky News has learned that authorities have contacted major betting companies, requesting information on wagers of £20 or more placed around the election date, shortly after Rishi Sunak declared it on May 22.

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Sky News reports that the Gambling Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the investigation, pays particular attention to political betting and conducts additional verification on wagers placed by individuals involved in politics.

The gaming sector considers both politicians and their close associates as politically exposed persons (PEPs), defined as individuals holding significant public roles.

This is due to the fact that individuals in such positions are often "considered more susceptible to engaging in bribery and corruption due to their status and power," as stated by the Law Society.

On Saturday night, it was revealed that Nick Mason, the Chief Data Officer for the Conservative Party, is the latest party candidate or official to come under investigation. He has temporarily stepped down from his role and has denied all allegations of misconduct.

Craig Williams, the parliamentary private secretary to Mr. Sunak and the Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, confessed last week to making a speculative bet on the timing of the election.

This week, the campaign director for the party, Tony Lee, along with his spouse Laura Saunders, who is running as the Tory candidate in Bristol North North West, also came under scrutiny.

A bodyguard assigned to Mr. Sunak has been taken into custody, accused of placing bets on when the election would occur.

During his appearance on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that he had been explicitly instructed not to talk about the investigation.

He stated, "I have no intention of defending those who gambled on that matter."

When questioned about the extent of the betting network, Mr. Cleverly stated, "That's not my understanding. I believe it involves only a few individuals."

He also stated he has "no reason to suspect" that any ministers are engaged in wagering on when the election will take place.

What are the regulations governing gambling?

Gambling is subject to stringent regulations, which were most recently revised in 2005.

Article 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 pertains to cheating and stipulates that an individual is guilty of committing an offense if they engage in cheating during gambling activities or undertake any action with the intent of helping another individual to cheat at gambling.

The statement asserts: "It does not matter whether an individual who cheats enhances their chances of winning something, or actually secures a win."

Cheating is described as any genuine or attempted trickery or disruption related to the method of conducting gambling, or in connection with any actual or virtual game, race, event, or process associated with gambling.

A person convicted of fraud in gaming may face up to two years in jail and a possible fine, or up to six months for a minor violation.

Wagering based on confidential information is also prohibited for Members of Parliament, as the MPs' code of conduct forbids them from "inflicting substantial harm on the House's reputation and integrity."

A spokesperson for the Gambling Commission stated: "The Gambling Commission oversees gambling activities, prioritizing the welfare of consumers and the general public."

"Presently, the Commission is examining potential violations related to the election date.

"The investigation is currently active, and the Commission is unable to release additional information presently. We will neither confirm nor deny the identities of any persons associated with the investigation."

A spokesperson for the Conservatives informed Sky News: "Following directives from the Gambling Commission, we are prohibited from discussing details of any investigation with the individuals involved or any third parties."

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The individuals running for election in Bristol North West include:

Caroline Gooch, representing the Liberal Democrats

Darren Jones, member of the

Scarlett O'Connor, representing Reform UK

Mary Page, representing the Green Party

Ben Smith, Social Democratic Party

The list of contenders for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr includes:

Jeremy Brignell-Thorp, representing the Green Party

Oliver Lewis, from Reform UK

Glyn Preston, representing the Liberal Democrats

Elwyn Vaughan, from the Party of Wales

Steve Witherden, member of the Labour

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