Senior Tory Officials Face Scrutiny Amid Betting Scandal
A fourth Conservative official is reportedly under investigation by the Gambling Commission for allegedly placing bets on the date of the general election. Nick Mason, the party’s chief data officer, is accused of placing numerous bets that could have yielded substantial winnings.
A spokesman for Mason denied any wrongdoing, while the Conservative Party stated it is “not permitted to discuss any matters related” to the investigation. Previously, a Conservative candidate, his wife, and another party official were also reported to be under scrutiny.
The Liberal Democrats accused the Conservatives of being “mired” in sleaze, with Tory minister Michael Gove likening the situation to the partygate scandal. Laura Saunders and Craig Williams, both senior Conservative figures, confirmed they are under investigation. Saunders’s partner, Tony Lee, the Conservative director of campaigning, is also being investigated and has taken a leave of absence.
Williams, a close aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, allegedly placed a £100 bet on a July election date three days before it was announced. He admitted to a “huge error of judgement” but declined to comment on whether he used insider information.
In response to the allegations, a Conservative spokesman reiterated that they are not permitted to discuss ongoing investigations. Prime Minister Sunak expressed anger over the allegations and vowed to expel any party members found to have broken gambling laws.
The general election date was announced on 22 May, with voting set for 4 July. Using confidential information for betting is a potential criminal offence under the Gambling Act.
The Gambling Commission confirmed it is investigating possible offences related to the election date but declined to provide further details. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called for the suspension of the Conservative candidates involved. Liberal Democrats Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper demanded a Cabinet Office inquiry, describing the situation as an “all-out scandal.”
Housing Secretary Michael Gove condemned the reports, comparing them to the Partygate scandal. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stated that anyone in his party accused of similar conduct would be immediately dismissed.
Additionally, a police officer from the prime minister’s close protection team was arrested on suspicion of misconduct related to election betting. The officer has been bailed pending further inquiries. The Metropolitan Police were contacted by the Gambling Commission regarding the investigation.
The ongoing investigation continues to unfold, with significant political and legal implications for those involved.