British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being urged to initiate an inquiry after the arrest of a Metropolitan Police officer on his protection detail over allegations of betting on the timing of the next General Election. The officer, from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, following information provided by the Gambling Commission.
The arrested officer has been relieved of operational duties and released on bail. The investigation has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which will determine its level of involvement. Misconduct in a public office, as defined by the Crown Prosecution Service, involves serious, willful abuse or neglect of authority.
The scandal deepens with the Gambling Commission investigating several potential offenses related to the election date, including those involving Craig Williams, Sunak’s former parliamentary private secretary and current Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr. Another unnamed Conservative candidate is also under investigation. Williams has publicly expressed regret, acknowledging a significant lapse in judgment.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper has called for a Cabinet Office inquiry, describing the situation as 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 asserted, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.
A Conservative Party spokesperson confirmed contact with the Gambling Commission regarding multiple individuals but refrained from further comment, citing the Commission’s independence. Prime Minister Sunak commented on the incident involving Williams, calling it “very disappointing.”
The allegations have added to the mounting pressures on Sunak’s administration, raising serious questions about integrity and accountability within the government. The situation underscores the challenges facing the Conservative Party as it grapples with internal controversies while trying to maintain public trust. The outcome of the investigations will be closely monitored, as it may have significant implications for the political landscape in the United Kingdom.
