Political Betting Scandal Engulfs UK Election: Conservatives and Labour Members Under Investigation

Betting controversy escalates with further scrutiny on candidates

The controversy has overshadowed the Conservative party's campaign efforts for the last two weeks, and now it has also entangled the Labour party.

Political journalist Alix Culbertson

Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 11:

The controversy surrounding gambling on elections has intensified with the investigation of a Welsh Conservative and the disclosure by a cabinet minister that he wagered on the date of the general election.

Russell George, a member of the Welsh Conservative party in the Senedd, has resigned from his position in the shadow cabinet following revelations that he is under investigation by the Gambling Commission for allegedly placing bets on when the vote would occur.

He expressed his complete willingness to cooperate with the investigation, while Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies noted that all other members of the Welsh Conservative Group had "verified that they have not engaged in any betting."

Mr. George has been identified as the third Conservative candidate involved in the commission's probe, alongside two Tory officials, the personal security officer of Rishi Sunak, and five additional officers.

Scotland Secretary Alister Jack disclosed that he placed three bets regarding when the vote would occur, however, he refuted any violation of regulations and stated that he is not the subject of any inquiry.

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BBC Newsnight has reported that the Gambling Commission is probing into the activities of as many as 15 Conservative candidates and officials.

The expanding breadth of the scandal has prompted inquiries into whether politicians ought to be prohibited from gambling on political outcomes, similar to the restrictions placed on football players regarding betting on football matches.

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Mr. Jack mentioned that back in April, he had placed a £20 bet at 5/1 odds on an election occurring sometime from July to September, but he was unaware of the exact timing until Prime Minister Sunak declared it on May 22.

He mentioned that he made two unsuccessful £5 wagers in March, predicting that a vote would occur in May and June.

"He firmly stated, 'I have consistently adhered to all regulations set by the Gambling Commission at all times.'"

"I did not engage in any betting regarding the timing of the general election throughout May, the month scrutinized by the Gambling Panel."

Additionally, I have no knowledge of any relatives or acquaintances engaging in gambling.

"I need to be perfectly explicit: I have not violated any gambling regulations. On the day of the general election, I made two failed wagers and one that was successful."

What are the regulations governing gambling?

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

Under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, it is considered a criminal act for an individual to engage in cheating during gambling activities or to undertake any action that helps or allows another individual to cheat at gambling.

The text states: "It doesn't matter if someone who cheats enhances their chances of winning something, or actually wins something."

Cheating involves any real or attempted acts of deceit or disruption related to the operation of gambling or to any actual or simulated games, races, events, or activities associated with gambling.

An individual convicted of fraud in gambling may face up to two years in prison and/or a monetary fine, or receive a six-month imprisonment for a minor violation.

Engaging in gambling activities using privileged information is prohibited for Members of Parliament, as the MPs' code of conduct explicitly forbids actions that could "severely harm the reputation and integrity of the House."

For further information:

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On Tuesday, the Labour Party was drawn into controversy for the first time when Kevin Craig, their candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was suspended. This action was taken after it emerged that he had placed a bet on a Conservative candidate to win the seat.

It has been reported that the Labour Party plans to give back £100,000 in contributions received from him since Sir Keir Starmer became the leader.

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On Tuesday, the Gambling Commission expanded its investigation to include five additional police officers, whose names were forwarded by the Metropolitan Police.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride spoke to Sky News, stating, "There's a wider conversation and debate necessary regarding gambling related to politics and the role politicians play in it, aiming to determine appropriate boundaries.

"Moving ahead, it's possible that everyone will agree that it should not occur whatsoever."

"It's possible that it should occur, but only under specific conditions and the like. However, I believe this is a longer-term discussion we need to engage in."

Mr. Sunak has withdrawn his support for the initial two Conservative candidates being investigated following calls for him to adopt a stricter stance on the purported use of confidential information to place bets on when the election would occur.

Laura Saunders and Craig Williams are listed as Conservative candidates on the voting slips, but due to timing constraints, they will have to run as independents.

Last week, following the disclosure of their identities, two officials subject to an inquiry each opted to step away from their duties temporarily. Those involved are Tony Lee, the Conservative Party's director of campaigns and spouse of Ms. Saunders, and Nick Mason, the chief data officer for the party, who has refuted all allegations of misconduct.

Last week, a bodyguard assigned to Mr. Sunak was taken into custody due to accusations of placing bets on whether there would be an

Below is a complete list of individuals seeking election in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich:

Charlie Caiger, unaffiliated

Tony Gould, Reform UK

Mike Hallatt, unaffiliated

Brett Mickelburgh, Liberal Democrats

Dan Pratt, Green Party

Patrick Spencer, Conservative Party

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