‘Weak’ Rishi Sunak refuses to say if Cabinet members made election bets
Rishi Sunak has refused to say whether members of his cabinet put bets on the General Election timing as the Tory campaign plunged further into crisis.
Three senior figures are known to be under investigation by the Gambling Commission after allegedly placing wagers on when the election would be. On top of that a member of Mr Sunak’s police protection team has been arrested and suspended over a similar claim. A spike in bets was recorded in the days before Mr Sunak’s suprise announcement in May.
Mr Sunak has been told to “come clean” about how many people are involved. The Tory Party said it was aware of “a small number” of people being probed, but officials have refused to say how many.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has accused the PM of a “total lack of leadership”. Asked by LBC if he was confident no Cabinet members would be sucked into the scandal, Mr Sunak refused to say. He stated: “The first thing to say is I was incredibly angry when I learned about these allegations – the same anger that many of you will feel and everyone watching.
“It’s right that they are investigated thoroughly, these are serious allegations. Right that they are being thoroughly investigated, as they are being. Independently, including a criminal investigation. If anyone is found to have broken the rules, they should face the full consequences of the law.”
He was then asked by Sky News if he could “hand on heart” say he’s not aware of any other Tories who placed bets on when the election would be. Mr Sunak again swerved the question, stating: “There’s not much more I can add to what I said previously. There are multiple investigations that are currently happening. It’s right that those investigations are allowed to proceed, they are independent, they are necessarily confidential.”
The Prime Minister has refused to suspend two candidates – Laura Saunders and Mr Sunak’s aide Craig Williams. Ms Saunders’ husband Tony Lee quit as the party’s campaigning chief after it emerged he was also under investigation.
Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth said: “He needs to come clean with the public. He promised integrity, professionalism and accountability, instead his weakness means he has overseen the same levels of sleaze and scandal that have come to epitomise the last 14 years of Tory government.
“Rishi Sunak needs to take immediate action against all implicated.”
Mr Starmer told broadcasters during a campaign visit to Scotland: “The Prime Minister is showing a total lack of leadership. Let’s look at what actually happened.
“In relation to a General Election, the instincts of these Tories when a General Election is called is not how do we make this work for the country? But how do I make some money? And that tells you a broader picture about politics.
“Of course he should suspend these candidates. If they were my candidates, they’d be gone by now, out of the door. He needs to take tough action. He’s not even saying today whether there are more involved.”
