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A police officer who worked as part of the Prime Minister’s security team has been arrested on suspicion of betting on the timing of the general election, the BBC reports.
The officer was initially suspended by the Metropolitan police and then arrested on suspicion of official misconduct.
Mr Sunak surprised many in Westminster on May 22 when he announced the general election would be held on July 4.
The Gambling Commission is investigating allegations of gambling crimes related to Election Day.
The Metropolitan police was contacted by the watchdog last Friday and informed that a constable from the Metropolitan police’s Royal and Specialist Protection Command was under investigation for alleged gambling.
The Metropolitan police told the BBC: “The matter was immediately reported to officers from the Metropolitan police’s Professional Standards Unit, who launched an investigation and removed the staff member from duty.”
The officer was arrested on Monday and has since been remanded in custody and released on bail pending further enquiries.
The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The Metropolitan police said the Gambling Commission continues to lead investigations into suspected gambling crimes and that “our investigations are running in parallel with that”.
A Gambling Commission spokesman said: “We regulate gambling in the interests of consumers and the general public.”
“The committee is currently investigating possible irregularities regarding the election dates,” the statement said.
Reacting to the arrests, Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Rishi Sunak must call for a Cabinet Office investigation into yet another scandal looming at the heart of government.”
“This reeks of further foul play. An explanation is needed.”
“An investigation is needed to understand who knew what and when.”
And Craig Williams, one of Rishi Sunak’s closest aides, is alleged to have bet £100 that the vote would be held in July, three days before the Chancellor chose 4 July as the date.
Mr Williams, who was the Conservative MP for Montgomery until the election and is standing again in his new constituency of Glyndwr in Montgomeryshire, had previously said he had made a “significant error of judgement” but refused to say whether he had made the bet based on inside information.
You can see the full list of candidates for Glyndwr, Montgomeryshire constituency here. here.
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