Rishi Sunak should ignore the Gambling Commission and suspend those being investigated over the Tory betting scandal, former Scottish Conservative leader Baroness Ruth Davidson has said.
The Conservative election campaign has been plunged into crisis as two Tory candidates, two officials, and an officer from Mr Sunak’s close protection team, are being investigated by the Gambling Commission over the placing of bets on the timing of the election.
Sky News understands many more people are being looked into as part of the investigation, and more police are being looked into to see if they are involved.
The prime minister has not suspended any of the people being investigated, saying it is up to the independent Gambling Commission to find out what went on before the party takes any action.
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But Baroness Davidson, speaking on Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast, said Mr Sunak should ignore the watchdog and suspend those being investigated.
She said: “The Gambling Commission are very, very clear about what you’re not allowed to say when somebody’s being investigated by the Gambling Commission.
“But I’m sorry, you’re the prime minister of a G7 nation in the middle of an election campaign when you’re fighting for your life.
“If the Gambling Commission want to shout at you for suspending somebody and saying that, just do it. That’s what leadership is.”
She said leadership means being a role model and acting “how you would like the people that you work beside and who are learning from you and working for you” to act.
Baroness Davidson said she thought “nothing was going to be worse than leaving D-Day early” – but the betting allegations are “reinforcing already bad opinions”.
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On Monday, Mr Sunak said he is not being investigated by the Gambling Commission and confirmed the Conservatives would conduct their own internal investigation into the allegations.
Those being investigated by the Gambling Commission are:
• Craig Williams, Mr Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary and Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr – he has admitted to placing a “flutter” on the election date and says he will cooperate with the investigation;
• A close protection officer for the PM – he has been arrested;
• Tony Lee, the Conservative Party’s director of campaigns – he has taken a leave of absence;
• Laura Saunders, wife of Mr Lee and Tory candidate for Bristol North West – she says she will cooperate with the investigation;
• Nick Mason, the Tory party’s chief data officer – he has taken a leave of absence and denies any wrongdoing.
Laura Saunders is the party’s candidate in Bristol North West.
Pic: Laura Saunders for Bristol North West
Craig Williams admitted to betting on the election date. Pic: PA
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A Gambling Commission spokesman 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.”
A Conservative spokesman told Sky News: “As instructed by the Gambling Commission, we are not permitted to discuss any matters related to any investigation with the subject or any other persons.”
The other candidates for Bristol North West are:
Caroline Gooch, Lib Dems
Darren Jones, Labour
Scarlett O’Connor, Reform UK
Mary Page, Green Party
Ben Smith, SDP
The other candidates for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr are:
Jeremy Brignell-Thorp, Green Party
Oliver Lewis, Reform Uk
Glyn Preston, Lib Dems
Elwyn Vaughan, Plaid Cymru
Steve Witherden, Labour
Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.