PM Sunak’s Bodyguard Arrested for Alleged Bets on the Election Date

One of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s police bodyguards was put under arrest on Monday, June 17, over accusations of alleged bets on the date of the upcoming General Election in Great Britain, before the official announcement.

The GC Investigating Potential Date of the Election Offences

According to the Metropolitan Police force in the UK, the officer, who will remain unidentified unless he is officially charged, has been arrested as a result of information received from the Gambling Commission on June 14 concerning an investigation over “the possibility of offenses concerning the date of the election.”

The constable, who is part of the Prime Minister’s protection crew, was suspected of misconduct in public office and suspended from his duty. 

As per the statement issued by the force, the matter has been quickly “referred to officers in the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties.” 

On May 22, PM Sunak officially announced July 4 as the date of the General Election. The date was a well-guarded secret and took many by surprise, including members of Sunak’s governing Conservative Party who were expecting the election to be organized in the fall.

The UK allows betting with bookmakers that offer odds on a variety of bets ranging from sports to elections. 

However, wagering on elections using inside information is a form of cheating and is punished as a criminal offense.

According to a spokesperson for the Gambling Commission, the commission that “regulates gambling in the interests of consumers and the wider public” was still investigating the possibility of the respective offenses and was unable to offer additional details.

The Bodyguard, Out on Bail

After he was put under arrest at the start of the week, the police officer was taken out of custody on bail. Currently, he is waiting for further inquiries. 

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper commented on the matter, asking PM Sunak to “call a Cabinet Office inquiry into what is shaping up to be yet another scandal at the heart of Government.”

Cooper added an inquiry was necessary “to understand who knew what and when.”

On a similar note, last week, Craig Williams, an aide for PM Sunak looking to get reelected to Parliament, said he was investigated by the Gambling Commission for an alleged £100 ($128) bet on a July election date prior to the PM making the announcement.