The Gambling Commission conducted an inquiry in the summer with regards to some members of the Conservative party placing bets over the date of the general election. Among those questioned was former deputy prime minister, Sir Oliver Dowden. However, the inquiry only sought to gather information and did not investigate Sir Oliver’s own involvement in such betting. The country was rocked by the revelation of these bets, largely due to the seniority of those implicated.
In a recent leak, it was reported by Sky News that Sir Oliver was one of the individuals contacted by the betting regulator, indicating the scope of this inquiry and the level of concern it has raised. Investigation by the commission continues, but it has refrained from commenting on the case further.
Despite no wrongdoing being found on Sir Oliver’s part, the leak appears to have been designed to damage the Conservative party, especially as it came on the opening day of their annual conference. Having suffered a significant electoral loss, the party is still reeling and attempting to assess what went wrong during the last campaign. A number of people have been investigated by the Gambling Commission, although any official punishment is yet to be determined.
It is not just members of the Conservative party who have been implicated in this case. Liam Booth-Smith, former chief of staff to Rishi Sunak, has also spoken to the commission. As the investigation continues, it appears that the country’s leaders will have to deal with the fallout of this scandal for some time to come
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