Oliver Dowden interviewed in election day betting scandal

In the United Kingdom, an investigation by the Gambling Commission is underway regarding potential betting irregularities related to the announcement of a general election. Sir Oliver Dowden, the former deputy prime minister, has been interviewed as a witness in this inquiry, which is examining whether Conservative Party officials used insider information to place bets on the election date. This investigation began in June 2023, following a revelation that Craig Williams, a former parliamentary aide, had placed a bet on a July election shortly before the official announcement on May 22. Dowden, a close ally of current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is not under investigation himself, but his involvement highlights the scrutiny surrounding the Conservative Party's actions during the election campaign. The inquiry is expected to last for three to six months, with numerous individuals, including Conservative officials, having been interviewed. The investigation has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential misuse of privileged information for personal gain. As the Conservative Party Conference commenced in Birmingham, the ongoing inquiry casts a shadow over the party's reputation and raises questions about the ethical standards of its members.