A police officer assigned to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's protection team has been arrested in connection with alleged bets placed on the date of the upcoming General Election.
The Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards launched an investigation after being informed by the Gambling Commission about the alleged betting activity.
The officer, a constable from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, was reportedly removed from operational duties and arrested on 17 June on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The investigation is ongoing and the officer has been bailed pending further inquiries. The case has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Liberal Democrats Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper, commented: “Rishi Sunak must call a Cabinet Office inquiry into what is shaping up to be yet another scandal at the heart of Government. This stinks of yet more sleaze and answers are needed. An inquiry is needed to understand who knew what and when.”
The Gambling Commission, which regulates gambling activities in the UK, is leading the investigation into the alleged betting offences.
A Gambling Commission spokesperson stated: “Currently the commission is investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election. This is an ongoing investigation and the commission cannot provide any further details at this time.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the matter was referred to its Directorate of Professional Standards and that its investigation is running parallel to the Gambling Commission's probe.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated: "We can confirm that on Friday, 14 June, the Met was contacted by the Gambling Commission, who informed us they were investigating alleged bets made by a police constable from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, related to the timing of the General Election. The officer was subsequently arrested on Monday 17 June on suspicion of misconduct in public office."
The arrest follows last week's controversy involving Conservative candidate Craig Williams, a former parliamentary aide to Sunak. Williams faced criticism after admitting to placing a £100 ($127) bet on a July election date three days before its official announcement.
Williams apologised for what he termed a “huge error of judgment” and pledged to cooperate with the Gambling Commission's inquiries. However, he did not confirm whether insider information influenced his bet.
