Britain’s Gambling Commission is reportedly considering charges against five individuals involved in the betting scandal concerning the date of the general election in the United Kingdom.
Cited by Sky News, a source said: “The Gambling Commission is looking to prosecute at least three suspects, but possibly up to five. This includes a politician and a close protection guard.”
ReadWrite cannot independently verify this claim, however, a Commission spokesperson told us: “We clearly appreciate the level of public interest there is in this ongoing investigation but to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure a fair and just outcome, we are unable to comment further at this time, including the name of any person who may be under suspicion, or the total number of suspects.”
Election betting scandal explained
In June, ReadWrite reported that four Conservative Party delegates were under investigation after bets were allegedly placed on the date of the general election, which eventually took place on July 4.
At the time, it was revealed that Craig Williams, a close associate and parliamentary aide to the then-Prime Minister, was under scrutiny for placing a £100 ($126) bet on a July election three days before Rishi Sunak announced the snap poll on May 22.
Williams wrote in a post on X that he “put a flutter on the general election some weeks ago”, followed by a confession the next day that he had made a “huge error of judgment.”
The investigation has since broadened, with prominent figures like Sunak’s Chief of Staff, Liam Booth-Smith, and former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Oliver Dowden being interviewed as witnesses.
An officer was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in office related to the alleged bets. He is believed to be a member of the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) Command, responsible for ensuring the safety of the British Royal Family and political figures.
Police ends probe into UK betting case
By August, the Metropolitan Police concluded their investigation, stating the offenses under investigation did not meet the “high bar” to prove misconduct in office.
Met Police Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin said in a statement, “While our involvement in the criminal investigation now ceases, it’s important that is not misinterpreted as an all-clear for those whose cases were looked at.”
“There are still Gambling Act offenses to consider, and it is appropriate that they are taken forward by investigators from the Gambling Commission who have particular expertise in this field.”
However, Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission said the watchdog’s investigation would continue “to progress and we have interviewed several suspects under caution.”
He added: “We are continuing to interview a number of witnesses, who are cooperating with this criminal investigation, as well as gathering further documentary and electronic evidence.”
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