Recently, a close protection officer for Rishi Sunak, a member of the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) Command, has been arrested and suspended over alleged bets regarding the timing of the general election. The officer reportedly placed several bets, with at least one of them being a three-figure sum. This arrest comes in the wake of Mr. Sunak’s close parliamentary aide, Craig Williams, also being under investigation for betting on a July election date.
The Gambling Commission informed the Met Police about the activity by the police constable, prompting an immediate referral to the force’s directorate of professional standards for investigation. The officer was removed from operational duties and subsequently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken into custody and then bailed pending further inquiries.
The Gambling Commission is leading the investigation into the alleged betting offenses, particularly concerning the date of the election. They have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but provide no further details at this time. The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for their consideration on the level of involvement required.
In response to the incidents, Mr. Sunak expressed his disappointment, especially after Mr. Williams’ betting controversy was made public. As the PM’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS), Mr. Williams’ actions have raised questions about whether he had any inside information when placing the bet on the July election date. He stated that he would fully cooperate with the inquiries and acknowledged that he should have considered how it might appear to the public.
The allegations and subsequent arrests of the close protection officer and the parliamentary aide have raised concerns about the integrity and trustworthiness of those in positions of power. The investigations by the Gambling Commission and the IOPC will shed more light on the extent of misconduct and whether any breaches of public trust have occurred. It is crucial for those in public service to uphold the highest ethical standards to maintain the public’s confidence in the institutions they represent.
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