Metropolitan police drop misconduct charges against political figures over election date bets; focus shifts to Gambling Act violations

In a recent development, the Metropolitan Police have announced they will not pursue charges of misconduct in public office against political figures who allegedly used inside information to bet on the timing of the general election. However, the investigation is far from over as the Gambling Commission continues to scrutinize potential violations under the Gambling Act.

The controversy began when the Guardian reported that Craig Williams, a former parliamentary private secretary for Rishi Sunak and a Conservative MP who lost his seat in July, placed a £100 bet on a July election just three days before the official announcement. Williams and another candidate, Laura Saunders, lost their party endorsements once the investigation into their betting activities became public.

The investigation has expanded to include several high-profile Conservatives. The Gambling Commission is examining bets allegedly placed by Tony Lee, the Conservatives’ campaigns director and Saunders’ spouse; Nick Mason, the party’s chief data officer; and Russell George, a Welsh parliament member who represents the same area as Williams did.

In addition, seven Metropolitan Police officers are under investigation for allegedly using insider knowledge to place bets on the election date. The Met’s initial inquiry looked into whether these actions constituted misconduct in public office, but the police have determined that the evidence did not meet the high threshold required for such charges.

The Met’s statement revealed that after reviewing the evidence and consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it was concluded that misconduct in public office charges were not applicable. Instead, the investigation has been handed back to the Gambling Commission to address potential breaches of the Gambling Act.

Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin emphasized that while the Met is stepping back from the criminal investigation, this does not imply that the individuals involved are cleared of wrongdoing. The Gambling Commission will continue to investigate possible offences related to insider betting, which could result in up to two years in prison if proven.

The police’s decision to cease their involvement in the investigation follows the conclusion that the charges of misconduct in public office were not substantiated. The Gambling Commission’s role will now focus solely on potential breaches of gambling regulations. The ongoing investigation into the seven police officers will continue, handled by both the Gambling Commission and the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.

The Telegraph

The Metropolitan Police have concluded their investigation into the election betting scandal, deciding not to charge anyone with misconduct in public office. This decision follows a review with the Crown Prosecution Service, which found that the evidence did not meet the high threshold required for such charges.

The scandal involved bets placed on the date of the general election, with several Conservative candidates and officials, including Craig Williams, Rishi Sunak’s former aide, being implicated. A serving Met officer, who was part of Sunak’s close protection team, was arrested, and six other officers were found to have placed bets.

While the Met Police has ceased its involvement, the Gambling Commission continues to investigate potential breaches of the Gambling Act, focusing on possible cheating and other related offences. The Gambling Commission will now handle the case, particularly regarding the seven police officers suspected of placing bets. These officers remain under investigation by both the Gambling Commission and the Met’s directorate of professional standards.

Independent

The Metropolitan Police have ended their investigation into allegations of betting on the date of the general election, stating that the evidence did not meet the threshold for misconduct in public office. The probe, which began after it was revealed that senior Conservative officials and Rishi Sunak’s former aide, Craig Williams, had placed bets shortly before the election date was announced, has concluded with no charges filed.

Williams, who reportedly placed a £100 bet on a July election date just before the announcement, and other implicated figures, including Conservative candidates Laura Saunders and Tony Lee, faced scrutiny. The Conservative Party withdrew support from Williams and Saunders, and other officials took leaves of absence.

The Met’s decision follows advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. However, the Gambling Commission is continuing its investigation into potential violations of the Gambling Act, focusing on possible cheating and misuse of insider information. This separate investigation could still lead to criminal charges.

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards is also examining seven officers alleged to have placed bets on the election date. The Gambling Commission’s chief executive, Andrew Rhodes, emphasized that while the investigation remains active, further details cannot be disclosed to protect its integrity.

The Guardian

The Metropolitan Police have concluded their investigation into allegations of election date betting by political figures, stating that the evidence did not meet the threshold for misconduct in public office. The probe was initiated after reports revealed that Craig Williams, a former parliamentary aide to Rishi Sunak, and other Conservative figures had placed bets on the election date before it was publicly announced.

Williams, along with candidate Laura Saunders and other involved figures, including Tony Lee (Conservative campaign director), Nick Mason (Tory chief data officer), and Russell George (Welsh parliament member), faced scrutiny. The Conservative Party subsequently withdrew support from Williams and Saunders.

While the Met has closed its investigation into misconduct, the Gambling Commission will continue to investigate potential violations of the Gambling Act, focusing on whether inside information was used to influence bets. Seven police officers are also under investigation by the Commission and the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards for similar allegations.

The Commission’s ongoing inquiry could result in charges under the Gambling Act, which includes penalties for using insider information to gain an unfair betting advantage.