Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is grappling with another senior Conservative Party official embroiled in a scandal involving bets on the general election date. The controversy has intensified as Nick Mason, the Conservative Party’s chief data officer, is now being investigated by the UK’s Gambling Commission for allegedly betting on the election timing before its official announcement on July 4. Mason has taken a leave of absence but denies any wrongdoing.
This latest development follows a series of allegations involving Sunak’s top aides. Tony Lee, the director of campaigns, and his wife, Laura Saunders, a Tory MP candidate, were previously implicated in the betting scandal. Additionally, Sunak’s close protection officer was arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct for placing a similar bet, and Craig Williams, a parliamentary aide and Tory MP candidate, is also under investigation.
Although betting is legal in the UK, using insider information to place bets could be illegal. Sunak expressed his anger over the allegations and emphasized the gravity of the situation. “There are multiple investigations happening. It’s right they’re allowed to proceed. They’re independent and necessarily confidential,” he told reporters. He also stated that anyone found guilty would face legal consequences and be expelled from the Conservative Party.
Senior party leaders have refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigations. However, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, who is not seeking re-election, condemned the actions of his colleagues, highlighting the damaging perception of double standards within the party.
The Gambling Commission has confirmed investigating potential offences related to the election date but declined to disclose details or identities of those involved. Meanwhile, opposition parties are intensifying their criticism of the Conservative Party. A Labour Party spokesperson accused Sunak of failing to deliver on his promises of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. They called for immediate action to suspend those implicated in the scandal. The Liberal Democrats echoed this sentiment, urging Sunak to intervene personally and initiate a Cabinet Office inquiry.
Sunak’s surprise announcement of the July 4 election date, amid heavy rain on May 22, deviated from the widely speculated timeline of September or October. The date was a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few party insiders.
Under Section 42 of the UK’s Gambling Act 2005, cheating at gambling or facilitating someone else to cheat is a criminal offence. The ongoing investigations by the Gambling Commission will determine the extent of any wrongdoing and its potential repercussions for the Conservative Party as it prepares for the upcoming election.