Recently, a close protection officer for Rishi Sunak has been arrested and suspended over alleged bets about the timing of the general election. The officer, a member of the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) Command, is responsible for providing personal close protection to ministerial VIPs and members of the Royal Family. Several bets were reportedly placed, with at least one of them being a three-figure sum.
The incident involving the gambling activities of the police constable came to light after the Gambling Commission informed the Met Police about their investigation. The matter was immediately referred to officers in the force’s directorate of professional standards, who opened an investigation. The officer was removed from operational duties and subsequently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken into custody and bailed pending further enquiries.
The Gambling Commission is currently leading the investigation into the alleged betting offences. They are specifically looking into the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election. This investigation is ongoing, and the commission has stated that they cannot provide any further details at this time. Additionally, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified about the matter and will determine the level of involvement in due course.
The scandal has had political repercussions, especially for Rishi Sunak and his close parliamentary aide Craig Williams. Mr. Sunak expressed his disappointment after learning about Mr. Williams’ betting on a July election date. Mr. Williams, the PM’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS), placed a bet on the general election just days before the 4th of July date was announced. This has raised questions about whether he had inside information when placing the bet.
In response to the allegations, Mr. Williams stated that his bet on the election had prompted some “routine inquiries” and that he would fully cooperate with them. He acknowledged that he should have thought about how his actions would be perceived and expressed his desire for the issue not to be a distraction from the campaign. Despite these statements, many are still questioning the ethics and implications of his betting activity.
The scandal involving the close protection officer for Rishi Sunak has shed light on the issue of betting within the police force and government circles. The ongoing investigations by the Gambling Commission and the IOPC are crucial in determining the extent of misconduct and ensuring accountability. The political fallout from this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and transparency in public office.
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