Cabinet Minister Confesses to Betting on General Election Date

Cabinet minister Alister Jack disclosed that he had made three bets on the date of the general election on Wednesday.

The Scotland secretary denied any rule violations but acknowledged that he wagered on the timing of the July 4 vote.

Mr. Jack’s confession adds him to the list of seven parliamentarians and officials involved in the growing Westminster gambling controversy.

The Conservative MP stated that he bet £20 at 5/1 in April on an election taking place between July and September, claiming he had no prior knowledge of the election date until Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced it on May 22.

He also admitted to placing two losing bets in March, one for May and the other for June, both valued at £5.

In response to The Epoch Times, Mr. Jack said, “I have never breached any Gambling Commission rules.”

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“I did not place any bets on the date of the General Election during May (the period under investigation by the Gambling Commission) specifically,” Mr. Jack stated. “Furthermore, I am not aware of any family or friends placing bets.”

He affirmed that he had not violated any gambling rules and was not under investigation by the Gambling Commission.

Mr. Jack is not running for re-election next month.

Labour Drawn Into Row

Labour faced scrutiny on Tuesday, suspending its candidate in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, Kevin Craig, after he bet on losing to the Tory candidate.

“While I did not place this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome, this was a huge mistake, for which I apologize unreservedly.”

He expressed deep regret for his actions and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

Mr. Craig will still be on the ballot paper, but Labour took swift action to uphold the highest standards in its candidates as expected by the public.

The party also returned £100,000 in donations received from Mr. Craig.

Although nominations have closed, Craig Williams and Laura Saunders will still be on the ballot paper, but the Tories confirmed they can no longer endorse them.

Mr. Williams, a senior parliamentary aide to Mr. Sunak, admitted to an error in judgment and expressed his intention to clear his name.

In addition to the parliamentary candidates, two top Tory officials have taken leave amidst the Gambling Commission’s investigation.

Allegations Spread to Police

Allegations of improper betting extend beyond MPs, party candidates, and political officials.

The scandal has reached the police, with the Gambling Commission reporting information to Scotland Yard about five officers, including a member of Mr. Sunak’s protection team arrested earlier this month, who placed bets on the election date.

The Metropolitan Police clarified that only one officer, a police constable from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, is under criminal investigation and on restricted duties.

The force noted in a statement to The Epoch Times, “We have received information from the Gambling Commission alleging that five additional officers have placed bets related to the election date.

“Although the officers have not been arrested, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been notified.”

Scotland Yard specified that the officers involved were from Royalty and Specialist Command, the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, and the Central West Basic Command Unit, but none were in close protection roles.

A Gambling Commission spokesperson stated, “We are not confirming or denying the identity of any individuals involved in this investigation.”

The Epoch Times reached out to Mr. Craig for comment.

PA Media contributed to this report.