Leading Tory breaks ranks to demand action on bets row

SENIOR Conservative Tobias Ellwood today broke ranks with Rishi Sunak over the gambling scandal rocking the party, urging the PM to suspend candidates suspected of betting on the election timing.

- Jitendra Joshi

The former defence minister said he had “no doubt” that the controversy will cost his party seats, as an investigation by the Gambling Commission reportedly widens to include many more Tory insiders than the four identified so far.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris insisted on LBC that the four were “innocent until proven guilty” as he backed the PM’s refusal to suspend them until the commission reports back, and accused Labour of “trying to influence” the inquiry.

The Met meanwhile has arrested and suspended an officer in the PM’s personal security unit.