The Gambling Commission is investigating allegations that a fourth senior Conservative, Nick Mason, placed bets on the date of the general election. Reports suggest Mason, the party’s chief data officer, made numerous bets that could have resulted in substantial winnings.
While Mason’s spokesperson denied any wrongdoing, he has taken a leave of absence from his role, and the Conservative Party has stated it cannot discuss the investigation.
Earlier, two Conservative election candidates, Laura Saunders and Craig Williams, as well as party official Tony Lee, were also reported to be under investigation for similar betting allegations. Saunders, running in Bristol North West, and Williams, the former MP for Montgomery, confirmed they are being investigated.
Williams admitted to placing a bet on the election date but denied using inside information. Lee, Saunders’ partner and the party’s director of campaigning, has also taken a leave of absence.
Fourth Senior Conservative Under Investigation for Betting on Election Date
Home Secretary James Cleverly said it is right for the Gambling Commission to handle the investigation and noted that, to his knowledge, no ministers have placed bets. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed anger over the allegations and promised to expel any party members found guilty of breaking gambling laws.
The investigation focuses on whether confidential information was used for betting, which would be a criminal offense under the Gambling Act.
The Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats have called for the suspension of those under investigation. Labour’s Bridget Phillipson found the allegations shocking, while Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper called for a Cabinet Office inquiry, describing the situation as a major scandal.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove likened the controversy to the Partygate scandal, criticizing the perceived double standards within the Conservative Party.
The Gambling Commission confirmed it is investigating possible offenses related to the election date but did not provide further details due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have urged Prime Minister Sunak to take decisive action, reflecting widespread public discontent over the allegations of misconduct within the Conservative Party.
