Laura Saunders, a Tory candidate for Bristol North West, faces scrutiny from the Gambling Commission over election-related bets amid heightened campaign focus on ethics

In a new development ahead of the UK general election, Laura Saunders, a Conservative candidate contesting Bristol North West, has come under investigation by the Gambling Commission for allegedly placing bets linked to the timing of the upcoming election. Saunders, who has been associated with the Conservative Party since 2015 and most recently worked in its International Division, faces inquiries regarding the specifics of the wagers, including the timeline and amounts involved.

The Conservative Party acknowledged the Gambling Commission’s inquiry, revealing that it pertains to a “small number of individuals.” A spokesperson emphasized the party’s commitment to respecting the independence of the Commission and refrained from further comment until the investigative process concludes.

Saunders, when approached for comment, has not responded publicly to the allegations.

Sky News

Recently, a close protection officer assigned to Rishi Sunak has been arrested and suspended due to allegations of betting on the timing of the upcoming UK general election. The officer, part of the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command responsible for safeguarding ministerial VIPs and members of the Royal Family, reportedly placed several bets, including one involving a substantial sum of money.

This development follows closely on the heels of another incident involving Craig Williams, a close parliamentary aide to Prime Minister Sunak, who is under investigation for placing bets on a July election date just days before it was officially announced. Williams, serving as the PM’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS), a role that involves liaising between the PM and MPs in the Commons, has acknowledged the betting activity and expressed his intention to cooperate fully with investigations.

The Gambling Commission, alerted to these activities, has initiated its own investigation into potential offences related to betting on election dates. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Service has referred the matter to its Directorate of Professional Standards, leading to the suspension and subsequent arrest of the protection officer on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Both incidents have raised concerns about the integrity of individuals within Sunak’s inner circle and their adherence to ethical standards expected in public office. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified and will determine its level of involvement in the investigations.

Prime Minister Sunak has expressed disappointment over these developments, emphasizing the need to uphold trust and propriety in political and security roles. As investigations continue, the outcomes could potentially impact public perception and the political environment as the UK approaches its general election date.

The Guardian

The recent developments regarding Rishi Sunak’s close protection officer and other individuals allegedly betting on the timing of the general election have raised significant concerns and sparked investigations:

1. Arrest and Investigation: A close protection officer for Rishi Sunak was arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This arrest follows the discovery that the officer allegedly placed bets related to the timing of the upcoming general election. The Gambling Commission flagged these activities, leading to further scrutiny.
2. Previous Incident: This incident comes shortly after another member of Sunak’s team, Craig Williams, who serves as the prime minister’s parliamentary private secretary, admitted to placing a £100 bet on a July election date just days before it was officially announced by the prime minister. Williams’ actions prompted a wider investigation by the Gambling Commission.
3. Wider Implications: The Gambling Commission’s inquiries have extended beyond Williams to include other individuals, including Laura Saunders, a Conservative candidate in Bristol North West. Saunders is also under investigation for alleged betting activities related to the election date. The Commission has requested bookmakers to review all significant bets made on a July election.
4. Response and Calls for Inquiry: The Conservative Party has acknowledged the investigations by the Gambling Commission but refrained from commenting further, citing the independence of the Commission. Opposition parties, such as the Liberal Democrats, have called on Sunak to initiate a full inquiry to ascertain the extent of the issue and determine any potential implications.
5. Legal and Regulatory Process: The investigations involve multiple bodies, including the Gambling Commission and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which will assess the level of involvement required. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will ultimately decide on any potential charges based on the evidence gathered.
6. Public Trust and Accountability: Misconduct in public office is a serious offence that hinges on public officials abusing their position and trust. The outcome of these investigations could have implications for those involved, including potential criminal charges depending on the findings.

These developments underscore the sensitivity and scrutiny surrounding activities that could compromise the integrity of public office and electoral processes in the UK.