Seven Officers Implicated In Betting Scandal, Admits Met

At least seven Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated over bets on the timing of the general election.

- DAVID HUGHES

The Met and the Gambling Commission issued an update yesterday on the inquiry into the alleged use of inside information to bet on the 4 July date before it was announced.

Scotland Yard had previously indicated that six officers were under investigation, including one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s protection team, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

So far, five Conservatives have also been caught up in the inquiry, with reports suggesting that it could involve as many as 15 parliamentary candidates and officials, although the gambling watchdog has not confirmed a figure.

The Gambling Commission is focused on allegations of cheating, which are likely to make up the majority of cases, while Scotland Yard will lead on what is likely to be a much smaller number of cases in which there could be additional offences, such as misconduct in public office.