Betting scandal PM refuses to say how many Tories are under investigation

Rishi Sunak refused to say yesterday how many Tories were under investigation for betting on the date of the election, as the row continued to dog the Conservative campaign.

- Rowena Mason, Ben Quinn ,Libby Brooks

The prime minister said he was "angry at the thought that someone might have done the things that are alleged" after three people linked to the Conservatives were made subject to Gambling Commission inquiries, including one from his inner circle.

The party declined to "give a running commentary" on how many more officials, candidates or aides were facing investigations, as Sunak was grilled on the scandal at an event in north Wales. Conservatives heckled reporters who asked Sunak about the allegations.

Sunak refused to be drawn on whether he was aware of other Conservatives who had placed bets on the date of the election, saying there were "multiple investigations" under way that were independent and confidential.

He said: "What I can tell you is, as I said, if anyone is found to have broken the rules, they should not only face the full consequences of the law but I will ensure that they are booted out of the Conservative party too."

The secrecy surrounding the investigations means voters may not know if their candidate is subject to an inquiry before the polls open on 4 July.