Not over yet

London’s Metropolitan Police detectives have ended their criminal investigation of political figures who placed bets on the recent UK general election and decided not to charge anyone with misconduct despite their possible use of insider information. They received advice from the Crown Prosecution Service before concluding that “the high bar for misconduct in public office to be proven was not met.”

placing bets using insider information that can result in a two-year prison sentence

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) will continue with its own probe to identify any possible breaches of gambling laws and take over the Met’s cases. The Gambling Act has a provision related to placing bets using insider information that can result in a two-year prison sentence.

Talking about the matter, Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin said that the cases put a “significant dent in public confidence” and that it’s important people don’t misinterpret the Met’s decision to no longer pursue the matter as those under scrutiny now being in the “all-clear.”

Multiple allegations

The offenses first came to light in June when The Guardian reported that a close aide of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak placed a ￡100 ($132) bet on the July general election, days before the date became public knowledge.

intended to run in the election before the Conservative Party stopped supporting his campaign

Craig Williams intended to run in the election before the Conservative Party stopped supporting his campaign after the allegations came to light. Laura Saunders suffered a similar fate.

The other individuals who faced investigation were the campaign director of the Tories and Saunders’ husband, Tony Lee, the party’s chief data officer Nick Mason, and Welsh parliamentary member Russell George.

Plenty of moving parts

Others who were under investigation were seven police officers who also allegedly placed similar bets using insider information. They are facing a probe by the UKGC, and an internal investigation by the Met Directorate of Professional Standards is also ongoing.

the UKGC can’t disclose the names or number of people under suspicion

UKGC Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes revealed the regulator has already “interviewed several suspects under caution” and will continue gathering evidence. He said the UKGC can’t disclose the names or number of people under suspicion at this moment to protect the integrity of the investigation.