The Metropolitan Police has concluded its investigation into allegations that Conservative politicians, officials, and police officers based around parliament placed bets on the timing of July’s vote before its public announcement. The probe, which had overshadowed the Conservative campaign, found that while there were cases that could have potentially led to charges of misconduct in public office, none met the “high bar” required for criminal prosecution, prompting the Met to end its inquiry.
However, the Gambling Commission has signaled that its investigation is still ongoing. The commission is probing whether the incidents violated Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which addresses cheating in betting activities. The commission, which holds statutory prosecutorial powers, could impose penalties including up to two years in prison for those found guilty of such offences.
Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin emphasized the significance of the investigation, stating, “These allegations had a considerable impact on public trust during the election campaign, and it was essential to investigate all possible offences. While our involvement in the criminal investigation has concluded, this should not be interpreted as a dismissal of the cases examined.”
Goodwin further revealed that seven police officers are among those still under investigation by the Gambling Commission. These officers are also being reviewed by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, indicating continued scrutiny into their conduct.
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, confirmed that several suspects had been interviewed under caution. He added that the commission was still gathering evidence, including documentary and electronic records, to support its ongoing investigation. Rhodes noted the high level of public interest but stressed that further details, including the names of suspects or the total number involved, could not be disclosed at this time to maintain the investigation’s integrity.
A spokesperson for the Conservative Party stated, “We will not be commenting while the Gambling Commission’s investigation is still underway.” The ongoing probe highlights the potential for significant legal repercussions and continued public scrutiny as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of any misconduct related to the betting scandal.
