Police Drop Election Betting Case, But Watchdog Pursues Charges Amid Political Turmoil

Police halt probe into election gambling controversy, yet regulatory body may still press charges

The Metropolitan Police have concluded that the activities leading up to the recent election did not reach the necessary threshold for specific legal actions. However, the individuals implicated might still be subject to disciplinary measures by the Gambling Commission.

Political journalist @NifS

Friday, August 23, 2024, 2:

The Metropolitan Police has concluded its probe into the betting scandal surrounding the general election, with no charges filed.

Several Conservative lawmakers and staff, along with police stationed near parliament, faced controversy following claims they wagered on the date of July's vote before it was officially declared by the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, casting a shadow over the party’s campaign.

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On Friday, the police department announced that it had investigated a few instances that might have constituted misconduct in public office crimes, but none met the stringent standards required for prosecution, leading to the conclusion of their investigation.

Yet, the Metropolitan Police noted that the Gambling Commission was continuing its investigation to determine if the events violated section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which pertains to cheating. The commission holds the legal authority to prosecute, and those convicted could face up to two years in jail.

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Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin stated, "The accusations made during the election campaign significantly impacted public trust, and it was essential to investigate them thoroughly to consider all potential violations."

"Our role in the criminal investigation has concluded, but it should not be mistaken for a complete exoneration of the individuals whose cases were examined.

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"Offenses under the Gambling Act still need to be addressed, and it is fitting for specialists from the Gambling Commission, who possess specific skills in this area, to continue with these investigations."

She disclosed that seven police officers are still under scrutiny by the commission, and they continue to be investigated by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards.

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Andrew Rhodes, the chief executive of the Gambling Commission, stated that the regulatory body has conducted interviews under caution with multiple suspects and is persistently interrogating witnesses while also collecting additional documentary and electronic evidence.

He stated, "Our attention has stayed on the criminal probe into the misuse of confidential data to secure an unfair edge in wagering on the general election date.

"We fully recognize the public's keen interest in this case; however, to maintain the integrity of our investigation and to guarantee a fair resolution, we cannot provide additional comments at this moment. This includes disclosing any potentially involved individuals or the overall count of suspects."

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party stated: "We are refraining from making any comments during the ongoing Gambling Commission investigation."

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