Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak has stated that he is not under investigation by the Gambling Commission regarding allegations of bets placed on the date of the general election.
This controversy has overshadowed the Conservative Party’s campaign in recent weeks.
Speaking in Edinburgh, Sunak emphasized that the Gambling Commission operates independently and does not report to him. He also confirmed that the Conservative Party is conducting its own internal investigation into the matter and will act on any findings.
Sunak categorically denied ever betting on politics as an MP and ruled out any involvement from his family members. The allegations primarily focus on several Conservative figures who are accused of betting on the election date, including Craig Williams, Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary, and Tony Lee, the party’s director of campaigns. Both are currently facing investigations.
Despite calls for suspensions during the inquiry, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has rejected such measures for those involved.
The scandal comes as Sunak supports the launch of the Scottish Conservative Party’s manifesto, emphasizing a focus on moving beyond the issue of Scottish independence.
