Rishi Sunak has been rocked by an election betting scandal after a Conservative candidate and her husband are investigated over a bet relating to the timing of the general election.
Tory candidate for Bristol North West Laura Saunders and the party’s director of campaigning Tony Lee are currently being looked into by the Gambling Commission.
The prime minister is now facing urgent calls to suspend the probed party members after Sir Keir Starmer attacked Mr Sunak for failing to do so.
Analysis also shows an unusual spike of bets on a July poll preceded prime minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement, with up to £5,900 wagered before 20 May.
Other parties like Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper labelled the situation an “utter disgrace” and Labour’s campaign co-ordinator Pat McFadden urged the PM to withdraw support from candidates immediately.
The Tory couple are the latest figures to face gambling allegations after Craig Williams apologised over betting on the date of the general election.
It comes as a police officer in Mr Sunak’s close protection team was arrested and suspended over alleged bets about the timing of the general election.