Top Sunak aide questioned in election betting probe
Sunak's top aide interviewed in election betting investigation
Sir Oliver Dowden, the former deputy prime minister, has been interviewed in the official investigation into betting on the general election date. This makes him the highest-ranking ally of Rishi Sunak to be questioned. Previously, the Gambling Commission, which oversees UK betting regulations, had also interviewed Craig Williams, Sunak’s former parliamentary aide, and Liam Booth-Smith, former Downing Street chief of staff.
Sunak has not been interviewed yet, although numerous Conservative Party officials have been questioned. A source close to Sir Oliver confirmed that he is not under investigation. Sir Oliver spoke to the police to assist their inquiries, which took place in early summer with officers from the Gambling Commission.
The inquiry, which began in June, is expected to last another three to six months. The investigation coincides with the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. Interestingly, the Gambling Commission’s head office is a short walk from the conference venue.
Former Deputy PM Sir Oliver Dowden has been interviewed in the investigation into betting on the general election date following a probe by the Gambling Commissionpic.twitter.com/A67XYzOe62
— Peter Stefanovic (@PeterStefanovi2) September 29, 2024
Sir Oliver was knighted, and Mr Booth-Smith was awarded a peerage in the former prime minister’s dissolution honours, announced shortly before the polls closed on 4 July. The commission is investigating if bets were placed on a July election by individuals with inside knowledge, violating gambling rules, before Sunak’s announcement on 22 May.
A source indicated that hundreds of documents had been seized from Tory HQ. The Gambling Commission has also employed more former police officers to aid the investigation. They expect the case to continue for three to six months.
Craig Williams, formerly MP for Montgomeryshire and Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary, admitted he was being investigated by the Gambling Commission after placing a £100 bet on a July election just days before Sunak’s announcement. He could have won £500 based on the odds at the time. Williams admitted his error and cooperated with the inquiries. He was dropped as the Tory candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr and came third in the election behind Labour and Reform UK.
Tony Lee, the party’s director of campaigns, and his wife Laura Saunders, the Tory candidate for Bristol North West, were also investigated. Saunders stated she would cooperate with the Gambling Commission, while Lee took a leave of absence.
Nick Mason, the party’s chief data officer, was the fourth Conservative candidate or official to be investigated. He also took a leave of absence and denied wrongdoing.
In a surprising turn, Labour candidate Kevin Craig was suspended after betting against himself, prompting a Gambling Commission investigation. Craig admitted to betting for fun and apologised for his mistake, intending to donate any winnings to local charities.
On 27 June, it was revealed that Mr Booth-Smith, Sunak’s top adviser, had been interviewed by senior Gambling Commission officials about the election’s timing. Booth-Smith was interviewed as a witness and was not a suspect.
Sky News has asked Sir Oliver and the Conservative Party for comments.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Yahoo News reports on former Deputy PM Oliver Dowden’s interview with the Gambling Commission regarding betting on the general election date, highlighting potential insider knowledge violations and ongoing investigations.(read more)
- The Telegraph reports that Sir Oliver Dowden, former Deputy Prime Minister, is being questioned by the Gambling Commission regarding betting on the general election date, indicating potential law breaches by insiders with inside knowledge.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is being investigated in the election betting scandal?
Craig Williams, Tony Lee, Laura Saunders, and Nick Mason are under investigation.
Has Rishi Sunak been interviewed in the investigation?
No, Rishi Sunak has not yet been interviewed.
What role does the Gambling Commission play in this investigation?
The Gambling Commission regulates betting in the UK and is conducting the investigation.
Why was Oliver Dowden interviewed?
Sir Oliver Dowden was interviewed to assist the investigation, not as a suspect.
How long is the investigation expected to last?
The investigation is expected to continue for another three to six months.
