Monday, December 23, 2024

More people investigated over general election bet allegations

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Election campaigns can be a rough old business, and so the absence of knowing the full list of those being looked into allows Labour to ask that question, until every single minister has denied putting on a bet.

The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, are attempting to draw parallels between all of this and what became known as Partygate – the parties in government during the pandemic lockdowns when such gatherings were banned.

They argue it is evidence that the Conservatives, or at least some of them, believe it is one rule for them and another for everyone else.

Some 22.5 million people in the UK bet on a monthly basis – around half the adult population – and it is expected that the amount of bets right now is likely to be higher than usual because of the Euros football tournament.

Clearly the political danger for the Conservatives is, therefore, that this is a row that will cut through – or in other words, be noticed.

The worry for them will be the potential for a trickle of further revelations in the coming days which could further drown out their broader campaigning themes – the dangers, as they see them, of what they call a Labour “super majority” and what Labour in government might add to your taxes.

The Gambling Commission has repeated the statement it has continued to make in recent days.

A spokeswoman said: “The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the interests of consumers and the wider public. 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.

“We are not confirming or denying the identity of any individuals involved in this investigation.”

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