Tetchy Rishi Sunak has repeatedly refused to say whether he told an aide about the date of the General Election.
It came after the PM finally removed support from Craig William’s candidacy – despite his admission two weeks ago of having a “flutter” on the election date. Mr Williams is currently under investigation by the Gambling Commission along with four other Tory politicians and officials over alleged bets.
During a campaign visit today the Tory leader was repeatedly asked whether he had confided in Mr Williams ahead of his surprise announcement of a July election. But the PM swerved the question, saying: “I’ve been clear about this. I’m furious to have learnt about these allegations.”
Appearing frustrated with the interviewer, he added: “We’ve initiated independent inquiries of our own, because I don’t have access to the Gambling Commission’s detail. You’ll recognise that while there are ongoing independent investigations, it’s just not right for me to say anything more about that.”
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He also told reporters he was “not aware” of any parliamentary candidates or Conservative officials being investigated beyond those already in the public domain. It came as the Met Police announced it will take a bigger role in the General Election date betting scandal as the crisis deepens. Detectives will be put in charge of a “small number of cases” where offences extend to misconduct in public office.
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The force said the number of its own officers under investigation had risen to seven after being idenitfied as having placed bets on the timing of the election. One officer – a member of the PM’s personal protection team – has already been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. They have since been bailed.
In a statement today, the force said: “The Metropolitan Police will investigate a small number of bets made on the timing of the General Election as part of a joint investigation led by the Gambling Commission.”
Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes said: “We are focused on an investigation into confidential information being used to gain an unfair advantage when betting on the date of the General Election. Our enforcement team has made rapid progress so far and will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to draw this case to a just conclusion.”
Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin, who is leading the Met investigation, said: “We have agreed a joint approach with the Gambling Commission, who are the appropriate authority to investigate the majority of these allegations. There will, however, be a small number of cases where a broader criminal investigation by the police is required.”