As public confidence in the Prime Minister declines, it has now been revealed that two of Sunak’s staff have been caught placing bets on the election date.
Sunak’s Security Scandal
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been involved in yet another scandal within his own ranks, this time involving multiple members of his security.
Placing Bets on Election Date
After announcing the general election to be held on July 4, it was revealed that more than one member of his security staff had placed a bet on that date.
Senior Aide Makes Illegal Bet
Rishi Sunak’s senior aide placed a £100 bet on the July 4 election just before the announcement was made public, but he wasn’t the only one.
Apologising for Lack of Judgement
The senior aide, Craig Williams, has since apologised for his “error of judgement” surrounding the incident, but Sunak’s woes don’t end there.
Political Parties Respond
Other political parties have reacted to the news by criticising the Prime Minister’s response to the bets, urging him to take more action.
Lib Dems Slam Sunak
Daisy Cooper, leader of the Liberal Democrats, slammed Sunak for not investigating the betting scandals further or punishing those involved.
Calls For Sunak to Take Action
“Rishi Sunak must call a Cabinet Office inquiry into what is shaping up to be yet another scandal at the heart of government,” Cooper said.
“An Inquiry is Needed”
“This stinks of yet more sleaze and answers are needed. An inquiry is needed to understand who knew what and when,” she continued.
More Bets on Disclosed Information
Williams clearly is not the only one who is inclined to place a bet on top-secret government information.
Scotland Yard’s Scandal
It has recently been revealed that a member of Sunak’s security team provided by Scotland Yard also placed a bet on the election date.
Met Police Officer’s Illegal Bet
A member of the Metropolitan Police’s RaSP Command Unit was also caught placing an illegal bet on the election date.
RaSP Explained
The RaSP sector of Scotland Yard provides security for high-profile clients such as celebrities, politicians, and even the Royal Family.
Duty of Professionalism
When dealing with these clients, officers must act with professionalism when overhearing confidential information before it’s released to the public.
Arrested for Betting Allegations
Despite this, one member placed a bet on the election date and was subsequently arrested for his actions by Scotland Yard, causing the force to release a statement.
Contacted by Gambling Authority
A spokesperson for Scotland Yard revealed that it was “contacted by the Gambling Commission” who informed them of the betting information.
Removing the Officer From Duties
“The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties,” they said.
Confirmation of Arrest
“The officer was subsequently arrested on Monday June 17 on suspicion of misconduct in public office” the spokesperson said.
Released on Bail
Since the arrest, Scotland Yard announced that the anonymous officer has been released on bail. The news only adds to Sunak’s problems with public trust.
Losing Public Confidence
Recent polls have placed Sunak’s Party below the right-wing Party, Reform UK, showing that the public has lost confidence in the Prime Minister.
Sunak Focused on Campaign
The double blow in Sunak’s security only adds to the Prime Minister’s troubles, although he will be too busy campaigning to deal with the matter more seriously.
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