In the midst of controversy surrounding alleged bets on the timing of the general election, Rishi Sunak’s chief of staff, Liam Booth-Smith, has been interviewed by the Gambling Commission as a witness. This development comes as part of ongoing investigations into claims that individuals gained an unfair advantage through the use of confidential information related to the election date.
Booth-Smith, known informally as the ‘Treasury Travolta’ due to his penchant for leather jackets during Sunak’s tenure as Chancellor, clarified that he is not a suspect in the Gambling Commission’s inquiry and did not place any bets himself. His role in the interview was to assist the regulator in understanding the circumstances surrounding the dissemination of polling day information.
According to BBC sources close to the matter, the investigation is primarily focused on allegations of cheating, while Scotland Yard is concurrently examining potential additional offenses such as misconduct in public office. Reports suggest that at least seven officers from Scotland Yard are involved in the investigation.
Previously, it was disclosed that six officers, including a member of Sunak’s protection team, were under investigation, alongside several Conservative figures. The exact number of individuals implicated remains unconfirmed by the Gambling Commission, although estimates suggest up to 15 parliamentary candidates and officials may be involved.
Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, emphasized the seriousness of the investigation, stating, “We are focused on allegations of using confidential information to gain an unfair advantage in betting on the General Election date. Our enforcement efforts have made significant progress, and we continue to collaborate closely with Scotland Yard to ensure a just resolution to this case.”
In response to the unfolding situation, Rishi Sunak has withdrawn Conservative Party support for Craig Williams, his former parliamentary aide seeking re-election in Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, after Williams admitted placing bets on the election date.
During a campaign visit in Derbyshire, Sunak faced repeated inquiries from journalists regarding any advance knowledge he may have shared with Williams concerning the election announcement. In his public statements, Sunak expressed dismay over the allegations and underscored the initiation of independent inquiries in light of ongoing investigations by external bodies.
The Conservative Party has taken decisive actions following the revelations, including withdrawing support from Laura Saunders, a candidate in Bristol North West, whose husband is the Conservative Party’s director of campaigning, and placing Tory chief data officer Nick Mason on leave of absence.
The repercussions of the betting scandal have also extended beyond the Conservative Party, with Labour suspending candidate Kevin Craig following his involvement in betting allegations related to his election in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.
During the final TV election debate, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized Sunak’s handling of the issue, accusing him of delayed responses and asserting the need for swift actions in addressing ethical breaches among MPs.
In his defense, Sunak maintained that thorough and proper handling of the matter was paramount, given its seriousness and sensitivity. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring accountability and ethical conduct within the Conservative Party.
The ongoing investigations by both the Gambling Commission and Scotland Yard underscore the significance of maintaining integrity and transparency in electoral processes, as political parties and regulatory bodies navigate the fallout from the betting controversy.
