Investigation into Election Betting by Tory Officials Closed

Scotland Yard has officially closed its investigation into allegations of betting on the date of the recent general election, stating that the threshold for misconduct in public office was not met. The inquiry was initiated after claims surfaced that senior Conservative officials, including a close aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, had placed bets shortly before the election date was publicly announced. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no action would be taken against any individuals involved, including an officer who was arrested during the investigation. Despite the conclusion of the Metropolitan Police's inquiry, the Gambling Commission's investigation remains active. This separate probe is examining whether the actions of those involved constituted violations of gambling laws, particularly concerning "cheating." The Commission has already interviewed several suspects and is in the process of gathering further evidence. If found guilty of any offences under the Gambling Act, individuals could face significant penalties, including potential prison time. The scandal has had notable repercussions within the Conservative Party, leading to the withdrawal of support for candidates implicated in the betting allegations. Craig Williams, a former parliamentary private secretary, admitted to placing a bet shortly before the election date was announced, describing it as an "error of judgment." Other party members, including Laura Saunders and Tory campaign director Tony Lee, have also faced scrutiny, resulting in temporary leaves of absence during the campaign. Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin emphasized the importance of investigating these allegations, which she noted had significantly impacted public confidence during the election. The ongoing investigation by the Gambling Commission aims to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.