British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under pressure to initiate an inquiry following the arrest of a Metropolitan Police officer assigned to his protection detail over allegations of betting on the timing of the next General Election. The investigation, triggered by information from the Gambling Commission, has already led to significant political fallout.
The officer, part of the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and has since been relieved of operational duties. He was released on bail as the investigation continues. The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which will determine its involvement. Misconduct in a public office is defined by the Crown Prosecution Service as a serious, willful abuse or neglect of authority, applicable to various public officials, including police constables.
Compounding the controversy, the Gambling Commission announced it is investigating multiple potential offenses related to the election date. Among those under scrutiny is Craig Williams, Sunak’s former parliamentary private secretary and the Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr. Additionally, another Conservative candidate is being investigated.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper has called for a Cabinet Office inquiry, labeling the situation a potential government scandal. “Rishi Sunak must call a Cabinet Office inquiry into what is shaping up to be yet another scandal at the heart of Government,” Cooper said, emphasizing the need for transparency.
A spokesman for the Conservative Party confirmed contact with the Gambling Commission regarding several individuals but declined to comment further, citing the Commission’s independence. Prime Minister Sunak expressed his disappointment over the incident involving Williams, who has admitted to a significant error in judgment.
This latest scandal adds to the growing list of challenges facing Sunak’s administration, raising questions about the integrity and accountability of those in positions of power. The outcome of the investigations and any subsequent actions taken by the government will be closely watched as the political landscape continues to be rocked by these allegations.
