UK PM Sunak withdraws support for Tory candidates accused of election betting

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has withdrawn Conservative Party support for two parliamentary candidates who are under investigation by the Gambling Commission over allegations of betting on the date of the upcoming general election.

The two candidates, Craig Williams from Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, and Laura Saunders from Bristol North West, are facing scrutiny, for potentially using confidential information to place bets on the election date.

The Labour Party has also suspended one of its general election candidates. Kevin Craig, Labour's candidate for the Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituency, has been "administratively" suspended by the party pending the outcome of the Gambling Commission's probe.

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The Conservative party said, “As a result of ongoing internal inquiries, we have concluded that we can no longer support Craig Williams or Laura Saunders as parliamentary candidates at the forthcoming general election."

“We have checked with the Gambling Commission that this decision does not compromise the investigation that they are conducting, which is rightly independent and ongoing.”

As the nomination process has already concluded, the two candidates will still be listed on the ballot papers as representing the Conservative Party. However, they no longer have the official backing and endorsement of the party leadership.

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Sunak confirmed that the party is conducting internal inquiries alongside the Commission's investigation, but stated he is "not aware of any other" Conservative candidates being probed. The prime minister said that he would take action based on the findings and cooperate fully with the regulators.

The controversy arose when one of Sunak's close aides, Craig Williams, allegedly placed a bet on a July polling day before it was announced.

'Huge error of judgement'

Williams admitted to a "huge error of judgement" but did not confirm whether he used confidential information, which could constitute a criminal offense.

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Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood criticised the situation as "deeply unhelpful" and called for decisive action, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged Sunak to demonstrate leadership by promptly removing the candidates.

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The allegations have sparked widespread criticism, with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accusing the Conservative Party of prioritising self-interest over public service during this Parliament. The controversy is seen as a "self-inflicted distraction" caused by a few individuals, according to Ellwood.

(With inputs from agencies)