A police officer from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s close protection team has been arrested for alleged misconduct involving bets on the timing of the general election.
The officer, initially suspended by the Metropolitan Police, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following a referral from the Gambling Commission. The investigation is focused on alleged bets made regarding the election date, which Sunak announced on May 22.
The officer has been removed from operational duties and is currently on bail pending further inquiries.
The investigation has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Meanwhile, the Gambling Commission is leading the probe into potential betting offences, with the Metropolitan Police conducting a parallel investigation. The situation has drawn criticism from Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper, who has called for a Cabinet Office inquiry to address the alleged scandal. Additionally, one of Sunak’s close aides, Craig Williams, admitted to a “huge error of judgement” after reportedly placing a bet on the election date days before it was officially announced.
