General election latest: Fifth Conservative investigated by Gambling Commission over election timing bets

For
the Conservatives in particular, this has now entered the territory of a
rolling political nightmare – allegations that are simultaneously as easy to
understand as they are difficult to defend.

And, to make politically bleak
matters black for the Tories, a horror show of daily developments and
revelations, garnished by criticisms within the party and beyond (some public,
many more in private) arguing Rishi Sunak could have acted faster.

Tonight’s news that a Labour candidate and donor has been suspended too highlights that
this isn’t a uniquely Conservative headache. Labour though are seeking to argue
their immediate reaction contrasts with a claimed Tory tardiness.

Most people
most of the time miss most of what is going on in politics. And yet right now
we are in that narrowest of windows; where ballot papers sit on kitchen tables
awaiting the next post, where church and school halls await that designation
polling station.

This is the time for decision, where millions might just be
receptive to the closing messages of the parties – if they can hear them – and
the big issues that swirl in the campaign.

And there is one big issue – this
betting saga – that dominates the national news coverage at least, with every
prospect there are further revelations to come.

And for a party that’s been in
government for 14 years, began this campaign on the back foot and has – if the
polls are to be believed – struggled to step forward in the last five weeks,
the Conservatives approach this final week in a situation that is unenviable,
to put it gently.