At least seven Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated over bets on the timing of the general election.
The Met and the Gambling Commission issued an update on the inquiry into the alleged use of inside information to bet on the 4 July date before it was announced.
Scotland Yard had previously indicated that six officers were under investigation, including one of prime minister Rishi Sunak’s protection team, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
We are focused on an investigation into confidential information being used to gain an unfair advantage when betting on the date of the general election
Andrew Rhodes, Gambling Commission
So far, five Conservatives have also been caught up in the inquiry, with reports suggesting that it could involve as many as 15 parliamentary candidates and officials, although the gambling watchdog has not confirmed a figure.
The Gambling Commission is focused on allegations of cheating, which are likely to make up the majority of cases, while Scotland Yard will lead on what is likely to be a much smaller number of cases in which there could be additional offences, such as misconduct in public office.
Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes said: “We are focused on an investigation into confidential information being used to gain an unfair advantage when betting on the date of the general election.
“Our enforcement team has made rapid progress so far and will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to draw this case to a just conclusion.
“We understand the desire for information; however, to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure a fair and just outcome, we are unable to comment further at this time, including [giving] the name of any person who may be under suspicion.”
Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin, who is leading the Met investigation, said: “We have agreed a joint approach with the Gambling Commission, who are the appropriate authority to investigate the majority of these allegations.
“There will, however, be a small number of cases where a broader criminal investigation by the police is required.”
On Tuesday, Mr Sunak caved in to mounting calls to withdraw support for two parliamentary candidates facing an investigation by the gambling regulator – his parliamentary aide, Craig Williams, and Laura Saunders.
Ms Saunders’ husband, Tony Lee, the Conservative Party’s director of campaigning, has taken a leave of absence, as has Tory chief data officer Nick Mason, while Welsh parliament member Russell George stepped back from his shadow cabinet role after being placed under investigation.
Labour has also been dragged into the row, suspending candidate Kevin Craig after he was investigated by the regulator for betting on himself to lose the contest in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.
Sir Philip Davies, the husband of Cabinet Office minister Esther McVey, has become the latest Tory candidate to be accused of gambling on the election. He reportedly bet £8,000 against himself winning in his marginal Shipley constituency, according to The Sun.
I think this latest development highlights … the wider choice now at the election, between carrying on with this sort of behaviour … bending the rules and breaking the rules, disregarding the rules. We’ve got to stop that and usher in a reset
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer
Speaking to broadcasters during a campaign visit to Staffordshire on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer said he was not aware of any other Labour candidates having bet against themselves.
“No. You saw my action,” he said, noting that the decision to suspend Mr Craig was made almost immediately after the Gambling Commission confirmed it was looking into his wager.
“I think this latest development highlights: one, how serious this is; two, that the prime minister should have acted swiftly at the beginning and shown leadership, rather than being bullied into taking action; and three, the wider choice now at the election, between carrying on with this sort of behaviour … bending the rules and breaking the rules, disregarding the rules.
“We’ve got to stop that and usher in a reset.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the scandal reflects “a sense of arrogance and entitlement from a Westminster-based Conservative Party”.