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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed his strong disapproval following allegations that three Conservative Party colleagues placed bets on the early announcement of the general election date.
Speaking during a televised debate, Sunak stated: “I was incredibly angry to learn of these allegations. It’s a really serious matter. It’s right that they’re being investigated properly.”
The controversy has prompted the Conservative Party’s campaign director to take a leave of absence, while an investigation is conducted into the betting activities that occurred before the election date was officially announced.
Sunak added that anyone found violating the rules should face the “full consequences of the law” and be expelled from the party.
The allegations add to a series of challenges for the Conservatives, who are currently trailing in polls to the centre-left Labour Party led by Keir Starmer. Some polls suggest that the Conservatives might suffer a historic defeat, potentially ending their 14-year rule.
Reports indicate that Laura Saunders, a Conservative candidate for Bristol North West, is under investigation by Britain’s gambling regulator for allegedly betting on the election date.
Her husband, Tony Lee, who serves as her campaign director, is also implicated in the probe.
Another candidate has already issued an apology for placing a bet on the election date prior to its official announcement on 4 July.
This incident follows the arrest of a police officer from Sunak’s protection team, who was accused of betting on the election date. The officer was arrested on 17 June on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and has been removed from operational duties while investigations by the Metropolitan Police and the Gambling Commission continue.
