British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing calls today, Thursday, for an investigation after one of his bodyguards was arrested on allegations of betting on the timing of the upcoming general elections. The Metropolitan Police stated that the Gambling Commission informed them that an investigation is underway regarding one of the close protection officers concerning the alleged bets, according to Agence France-Presse. They explained that the officer, who is a member of the specialized protection unit, is no longer in operational duties. He was detained on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
It is noted that the regulatory body is already investigating claims that Conservative Party candidate Craig Williams, who served as a ministerial aide to Sunak, bet on the election date. Meanwhile, the BBC reported yesterday that another Conservative candidate, Laura Saunders, is also under investigation regarding alleged betting on the voting date. Saunders is married to Tony Lee, the Conservative Party campaign director. The party stated that Tony Lee "took leave from the Conservative campaign headquarters yesterday." The Conservative campaign had previously confirmed that the Gambling Commission contacted them about "a small number of individuals," without further comment.
"It doesn't look good"
At the same time, Minister Michael Gove told reporters during the campaign that the fact that Saunders is facing investigations "doesn't look good." He confirmed that he could not comment on specific allegations but mentioned earlier that the "general principle" of using insider information for betting "deserves to be condemned."
Additionally, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer called on the Prime Minister to withdraw support for those allegedly involved. According to Starmer, "it's astonishing that we are in this situation... the government, Rishi Sunak needs to take action. He needs to know precisely who knows what."
It is noteworthy that elections are scheduled in Britain on July 4, where the Labour Party is widely expected to win, which could end the Conservatives' 14-year rule.