TLDR:
- Metropolitan Police ended investigation into UK general election betting scandal
- No charges of misconduct in public office will be brought due to insufficient evidence
- Gambling Commission continues criminal investigation under the Gambling Act
- Seven police officers remain under investigation by both the Gambling Commission and Met’s Professional Standards
- Suspects could face up to two years imprisonment if found guilty of cheating under the Gambling Act
The Metropolitan Police has concluded its investigation into the UK general election betting scandal, finding insufficient evidence to bring charges of misconduct in public office.
However, the Gambling Commission’s criminal probe into potential breaches of the Gambling Act continues, with suspects facing possible imprisonment if found guilty of cheating.
The scandal erupted earlier this year when allegations surfaced that politicians, Westminster insiders, and police officers had used confidential information to place bets on the date of the general election.
The timing of the election, which was called for July 4, was a closely guarded secret known only to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and a select few others.
Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin of the Metropolitan Police stated,
“While our involvement in the criminal investigation now ceases, it’s important that is not misinterpreted as an all-clear for those whose cases were looked at.”
She emphasized that there are still Gambling Act offenses to consider, which will be handled by the Gambling Commission’s investigators who possess expertise in this field.
The Met’s investigation focused on a small number of cases where misconduct in public office was alleged. After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it was determined that the evidence gathered did not meet the “high bar” required to prove this offense.
As a result, the Met will no longer be involved in investigating the betting scandal.
One police officer attached to the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, who was arrested in June on suspicion of misconduct in public office, will face no further action in relation to that specific offense.
However, this officer, along with six others, remains under investigation by both the Gambling Commission and the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.
The Gambling Commission’s Chief Executive, Andrew Rhodes, confirmed that their investigation is ongoing. “We have interviewed several suspects under caution,” Rhodes stated.
“We are continuing to interview a number of witnesses, who are cooperating with this criminal investigation, as well as gathering further documentary and electronic evidence.”
The Commission is investigating whether confidential information was used to gain an unfair advantage when betting on the election date. Under Section 42 of the 2005 Gambling Act, those found guilty of cheating can face fines or imprisonment for up to two years if convicted in a criminal court.
Among those implicated in the scandal were Craig Williams MP, who served as Rishi Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary, and Laura Sanders, the Conservative candidate for Bristol North. Both lost the party’s support when it emerged they were under investigation.
Other notable figures caught up in the probe included Conservative campaigns director Tony Lee, chief data officer Nick Lee, and Russell George, a member of the Welsh Senedd.
The scandal cast a shadow over the UK’s summer election campaign, raising questions about the integrity of those in positions of power and trust.
While the Met’s involvement has concluded, the ongoing Gambling Commission investigation ensures that the matter is far from over.
Rhodes acknowledged the high level of public interest in the case but emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.
“In order to ensure a fair and just outcome, we are unable to comment further at this time, including the name of any person who may be under suspicion, or the total number of suspects,” he said.
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