Metropolitan Police Launch Investigation Into General Election Betting Scandal

The Metropolitan Police announced on Wednesday they have initiated an investigation into potential instances of misconduct in public office amid the ongoing Westminster general election gambling scandal.

Since Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced his decision to call for elections last month, multiple politicians, party staffers, and police officers have been accused of placing bets related to the election, ranging from its timing to the outcome of individual races.

While the primary investigation is being conducted by the Gambling Commission of the UK, Scotland Yard has confirmed its active role in assessing whether the alleged offenses extend beyond Gambling Act violations and include misconduct in public office.

Twin-Pronged Investigation

The investigation will be divided into two categories, as stated by the Met in a recent statement.

“Bets suspected of breaching Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 (Cheating) exclusively will be dealt with by the Gambling Commission and are likely to form the majority of cases,” it mentioned.

The statement also highlighted that bets suspected of violating Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, but with additional features that may lead to other offenses like misconduct in public office, will be reviewed by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command to determine the need for further investigation.

Misconduct in public office, as defined by the Crown Prosecution Service, involves serious and willful abuse or neglect of power or responsibilities and carries a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Westminster Wagers Probed

The Gambling Commission is continuing its review to ascertain whether bets placed on the election’s timing fall within the purview of the ongoing investigations.

Currently, at least five Conservatives are under scrutiny by the Gambling Commission as part of its examination into bets on the timing of the July 4 poll.

Mr. Sunak withdrew support for parliamentary aide Craig Williams and Laura Saunders, two candidates facing investigation by the commission, while other individuals related to the party have taken leaves of absence amidst the scandal.

Labour has also suspended a candidate for allegedly betting on himself to lose his contest.

7 Police Officers Investigated

Regarding police involvement, Scotland Yard has identified seven officers who have placed bets on the election date, with one officer arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The arrested officer is on bail and under restricted duties, while the others are being investigated by the Gambling Commission and the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.

Both law enforcement agencies are working closely to ensure a fair conclusion to the case.