The Conservative Party’s campaign director for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Tony Lee, has stepped aside just two weeks before the upcoming election amidst a gambling controversy. Reports surfaced alleging that Lee and his wife, Laura Saunders, a parliamentary candidate, are under investigation for placing bets on the election date.
The Gambling Commission is probing these allegations, concerned that the wagers may have been made with insider knowledge, which is illegal. The Conservative Party acknowledged the situation, noting the Gambling Commission’s independent investigation into “a small number of individuals.”
This scandal adds to a series of setbacks for Sunak’s party, already facing challenges ahead of the July 4 election. Craig Williams, another Conservative candidate and close aide to Sunak, recently apologized for placing a bet on the election timing. In a separate incident, a police officer from Sunak’s security detail was arrested for similar bets, highlighting the breadth of the issue.
Michael Gove, a senior Conservative minister, condemned the use of insider information for personal gain, emphasizing its unethical nature. Polls indicate that Sunak’s Conservatives are trailing significantly, suggesting a possible historic defeat in the upcoming election.
Sunak’s decision to call an early election has been marked by missteps, including controversies and blunders during the campaign. Despite efforts to regain ground, the party has struggled to close the gap in voter support.
The Gambling Commission continues to investigate the matter, refraining from disclosing details about the individuals involved at this stage.
