London, June 20, 2024 (Lusa) – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged today that he was “incredibly angry” about allegations that members of the Conservative party placed bets on the day of the legislative elections and promised to expel them if they had committed irregularities.
Questioned on a program on the public broadcaster BBC, Sunak revealed that he was “incredibly angry, incredibly angry to hear about these allegations”.
“It is a very serious matter. It is right that they are being properly investigated by the competent authorities, including a criminal investigation by the police,” he responded.
Pressed on whether he will suspend the two candidates for the elections in question, Sunak stressed that “these investigations are ongoing” and that “the integrity of this process must be respected”.
“But what I can say is that if anyone is found to have broken the rules, not only will they face the full consequences of the law, but I will have them expelled from the Conservative Party,” he concluded.
Last week, Sunak’s advisor, Craig Williams, who is running for re-election to parliament, acknowledged that he was being investigated by the UK’s betting regulatory committee for placing a £100 (€118) bet on elections in July, before the date had been announced.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on May 22 that legislative elections would take place on July 4, a well-kept secret that surprised even members of the government who expected a vote in the autumn.
Craig Williams admitted to having made a “mistake” without confirming whether he used privileged information to place the bet.
Today, several British media outlets reported that Conservative candidate Laura Saunders, who is married to Conservative Party campaign director Tony Lee, is also being investigated for alleged gambling-related irregularities.
Laura Saunders will “cooperate with the commission”, he said, through his lawyer.
The party refused to comment on the new allegation but said in a statement that Tony Lee took a leave of absence 14 days before the elections.
On Wednesday, a third person, one of Sunak’s bodyguards, was arrested on suspicions related to betting on the date of the British national elections before they were announced.
The police officer was detained on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police said.
According to polls, the Conservative Party, in power for 14 years, is on the verge of suffering a historic defeat to the Labor Party.
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Source: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/2583982/sunak-zangado-com-alegacoes-de-que-candidatos-apostaram-sobre-eleicoes
