Reports have emerged that the chief data officer of Britain's Conservative Party has taken a leave of absence following allegations of party members using inside information to bet on the date of Britain’s July 4 national election before it was officially announced. This move comes as the fourth Conservative official to be investigated by the U.K.'s Gambling Commission for allegedly betting on the election timing.
According to sources, dozens of bets were reportedly placed with potential winnings amounting to thousands of pounds. The scandal deepened with revelations that two Conservative election candidates are also under investigation by the gambling watchdog. The Conservative director of campaigning has also taken a leave of absence amidst these allegations.
Further complicating matters, a police bodyguard of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest followed the gambling regulator's confirmation of an investigation into potential offences related to the election date.
The scandal has dealt a significant blow to Sunak's Conservative Party, which is facing a tough battle against the opposition Labour Party in the upcoming national election. Sunak expressed his anger over the allegations and emphasized that anyone found guilty of breaking the law should be expelled from the party.
The controversy surrounding the alleged betting has drawn comparisons to the previous 'Partygate' scandal, which contributed to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's resignation in 2022. The public's trust in the Conservatives has been shaken by revelations of lockdown-flouting parties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senior Conservative minister Michael Gove condemned the betting scandal, highlighting the potential damage to the party's reputation. The Liberal Democrats have called for an official inquiry, emphasizing the public's frustration with political sleaze.
As investigations continue, the Conservative Party has refrained from commenting on the matter.
