Turmoil in Tory Ranks: Senior Official Steps Down Amid Election Betting Scandal, Deepening Crisis for Sunak

Senior Conservative figure steps down temporarily as new gambling claims surface, dealing another setback to Sunak

The Conservative Party faces fresh accusations involving senior officials who allegedly wagered on the election timing before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak officially announced it was set for July 4.

By Kieren Williams, journalist

Sunday, June 23, 2024, 3:

A senior member of the Conservative Party has temporarily stepped down amid accusations that he gambled on when the upcoming general election would occur.

Nick Mason, who holds the position of chief data officer for the Conservative party, is under investigation by the Gambling Commission. He is accused of placing bets on the timing of the election prior to the official announcement of its date.

A representative for Mr. Mason stated that commenting during an ongoing investigation would be improper, however, he refutes any allegations of misconduct.

It is believed that he is collaborating with the authorities on the investigation.

The initial disclosure came from The Sunday Times, which alleged that multiple bets were made that could have yielded thousands of pounds in winnings.

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The accusations deal a new setback to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with three other Tory members already embroiled in the controversy.

Tony Lee, who oversees campaign strategies for the party, along with his wife Laura Saunders, a Conservative candidate for Bristol North West, are both subjects of an ongoing inquiry.

Additionally, Craig Williams, the parliamentary private secretary to Mr. Sunak and Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, acknowledged making a small bet regarding the election date and is under investigation as well.

During his appearance on Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that he was explicitly instructed not to comment on the ongoing investigation.

He stated, "I will not justify the actions of those who gambled on that matter."

Recent claims suggest a larger gambling network; however, Mr. Cleverly stated, "That's not my perception. From what I know, it involves only a few people."

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

A representative from the Gambling Commission announced that they are looking into potential violations related to the election date.

"The investigation is currently active, and the commission is unable to offer additional information at this moment," stated the spokesperson.

"At this stage, we are neither verifying nor refuting the identities of those linked to the inquiry."

Senior Conservative Michael Gove criticized the recent disclosures and compared the scandal to the partygate affair.

The secretary responsible for levelling up was quoted stating, "It appears to be one set of rules for them and another for us."

"That could be the most harmful aspect."

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 addresses the issue of cheating, stating that an individual is guilty of an offence if they engage in cheating at gambling or perform any action with the intent of helping another individual to cheat at gambling.

The statement clarifies: "The significance does not lie in whether an individual who cheats enhances their chances of winning something, or actually secures a win."

Cheating is described as any real or attempted act of deceit or disruption related to the method of conducting gambling, or any actual or simulated game, race, event, or procedure associated with gambling.

An individual convicted of fraud in gambling may face up to two years in jail and may also be subject to fines, while a conviction for a minor related offense can result in a six-month imprisonment.

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

Discover more: Sunak expresses intense frustration regarding gambling claims. Track the polls for the 2024 General Election. What's included in the party manifestos?

Labour described the new accusations as "completely astonishing."

A spokesperson for the party stated: "Rishi Sunak vowed to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability. However, his lack of strength has resulted in the continuation of the corruption and controversies that have characterized the past 14 years of Conservative governance.

"Rishi Sunak is urged to act swiftly and suspend all individuals involved in the Conservative Party betting scandal."

The Liberal Democrats urged Mr. Sunak to take direct action following the claims.

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Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper commented, "We are now witnessing a full-blown scandal within Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party.

Sunak is urged to take direct action by initiating a Cabinet Office investigation and suspending everyone being scrutinized by the Gambling Commission.

"People have had enough of this corruption. With each passing day, even every hour, the Conservative government finds themselves deeper in scandal."

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A spokesperson for the Conservatives stated: "Following directives from the Gambling Commission, we are not allowed to converse about any aspects of the investigation with the involved parties or anyone else."

The contenders running for the Bristol North West seat include:

Caroline Gooch, Liberal Democrats

Darren Jones, representing the Labour

Scarlett O'Connor, representing Reform UK

Mary Page, representing the Green Party

Ben Smith, affiliated with the Social

The individuals also running for election in Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr include:

Jeremy Brignell-Thorp, representing the Green Party

Oliver Lewis, Reform UK

Glyn Preston, representing the Liberal Democrats

Elwyn Vaughan, from the Party of Wales

Steve Witherden, a member of the

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