Another Tory Candidate under Scrutiny Due to Alleged Election Betting

Earlier this month, media outlets reported that Craig Williams, a senior aide of Rishi Sunak, allegedly placed a wager on the date of the upcoming general election in the country. This prompted an investigation by the UK Gambling Commission over political betting. Allegations against Williams claim he put a £100 bet on the upcoming elections to take place in July, just before Sunak’s announcement that the election will be held on July 4.

Now, a second Conservative candidate is reportedly under investigation by the Gambling Commission due to a wager about the date of the upcoming general elections. As reported by BBC, Laura Saunders, Bristol North West candidate for the party, allegedly placed a bet concerning the timing of the election. The latest report did not disclose when the wager was placed and what sum it involved.

In an interview for the BBC, a spokesperson for the Conservative Party commented on the topic. They revealed that the Party was contacted by the gambling regulator in the country “about a small number of individuals.” The spokesperson explained further: “As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldn’t be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded.”

Reportedly, Saunders was involved with the Conservative Party for nearly a decade. She started working for the Party back in 2015. Saunders’ most recent responsibilities were with the Party’s International Division. In that role, she collaborated with center-right formations in other countries across the globe.

The First Tory MP Suspected of Political Betting Comments on the Matter

Sunak’s aide, Williams took it to his personal page via X, formerly Twitter, to acknowledge the recent allegations against him. He said that he was contacted by a journalist regarding a query by the Gambling Commission. As a result, Williams said that he wanted to be “totally transparent.”

The MP wrote: “I put a flutter on the general election some weeks ago. This has resulted in some routine inquiries and I confirm I will fully cooperate with these.” Williams added that he didn’t want his actions to serve as a distraction amid the political campaign.

In a non-related case, a police officer who was protecting the prime minister also faced allegations over political betting. The person allegedly placed wagers on the timing of the general election, actions that ultimately resulted in his arrest. Subsequently, the police officer was released on bail and relieved from his duties.