Gambling Commission Expanded its Investigation into Conservative Party Betting

[Social Media]

 

The Gambling Commission has significantly broadened its investigation into the betting scandal involving the Conservative Party, focusing on hundreds of suspicious bets. This intensification of scrutiny comes after a dossier listing all bets exceeding £199 was handed over by betting companies to the watchdog. Investigators are now examining a spreadsheet of names, looking for connections between the gamblers and the Conservative Party.

 

This scandal has added another layer of controversy to the Conservative election campaign, drawing unflattering comparisons to the Partygate saga. Betting companies first became suspicious when there was a surge in betting activity shortly before Rishi Sunak's surprise announcement of an early election. Entain, the owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, notified the Gambling Commission after discovering that Craig Williams, an aide to Sunak, had placed a £100 bet on a July election. Williams, who is a former MP and current electoral candidate, was flagged as a politically exposed person (PEP), a term used for individuals who could potentially exploit their position for private gain. Williams admitted to making what he described as a "flutter" and conceded it was a "huge error of judgment."

 

 

After receiving this tip-off, the Gambling Commission contacted various betting companies, requesting lists of all bets placed on a July election within the same timeframe. This process revealed hundreds of names, a surprising number given the niche nature of political betting. Officials are now diligently working through this list to identify any links to the Conservative Party, also examining social media profiles for additional clues.

 

While none of the bets were particularly large, it is believed that those involved understood that significant wagers would trigger increased scrutiny. Currently, four Conservatives and one of Sunak's police protection officers are under investigation, casting a shadow over the party's struggling campaign. Nick Mason, the Tories’ chief data officer, is under investigation for allegedly placing numerous bets, potentially winning thousands of pounds. The Sunday Times revealed that Mason's winnings could have amounted to thousands of pounds.

 

 

Other individuals under scrutiny include Laura Saunders, the Tory candidate for Bristol North West, her husband Tony Lee, the party’s director of campaigning, and Williams. On Sunday, Home Secretary James Cleverly urged aides and insiders who placed bets on the timing of the general election to cooperate with the inquiry. Speaking to Times Radio, he stated he would prefer not to discuss the "inappropriate behaviour" of staff at Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) but acknowledged that those who placed bets need to come forward. Cleverly emphasized, "I would always say people should do the right thing."

 

Cleverly also told Sky News that there was "no reason to believe" that cabinet ministers placed bets on the timing of the general election and said the allegations involved a "small number of individuals." However, former Conservative whip Anne Milton criticized Sunak's decision not to suspend the whip from those being investigated, arguing that suspension is standard procedure in any other workplace while allegations are examined. Milton told Times Radio, "There appears to be no leadership from the top. Suspension is the right thing to do while people are investigated. It’s harsh if the allegations are found not to be true, but that is what would happen in any other sphere of work."

 

Additionally, two former Tory chancellors have criticized Sunak for calling the election early. Philip Hammond suggested that waiting until autumn could have allowed the Conservative Party to benefit from a potential cut in interest rates. Hammond stated on BBC's Laura Kuenssberg show, "I don’t personally understand why we’re having an election in July. I would have liked to have seen the election later in the year." Kwasi Kwarteng echoed this sentiment, warning that calling the election early could backfire. Speaking to GB News, Kwarteng said, "If we do lose that badly, there’ll be lots of debate. People will be blaming each other. Everyone will be blaming everyone else. But the leader has to take responsibility. The leader of the party has to take some responsibility."

 

A spokeswoman for the Gambling Commission commented, "The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the interests of consumers and the wider public. Currently, the commission is investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election. This is an ongoing investigation, and the commission cannot provide any further details at this time." As the investigation continues, the Conservative Party faces increasing pressure to address the scandal and its potential impact on their election campaign.

 

Credit: The Times 2024-06-25

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[Chomper Higgot]

The usual sleaze and criminality from ‘The Party of Law and Order’.

 

It’s well past time for a change,

[JonnyF]

100 quid? 😄 And stupid enough to place the bet himself, he should be sacked for stupidity if nothing else. 

 

If he had any sense he would have had a word with Nancy/Paul Pelosi to see how insider information can make millions. 

[stevenl]

10 hours ago, JonnyF said:

100 quid? 😄 And stupid enough to place the bet himself, he should be sacked for stupidity if nothing else. 

 

If he had any sense he would have had a word with Nancy/Paul Pelosi to see how insider information can make millions. 

Since according to you he is not using his brain, I agree he should be dismissed.