The Conservative Party is seen as “despicable” and “dirty”, said Ruth Davidson, as two of its candidates are being investigated for alleged bets made on the election date.
The Gaming Commission is investigating two conservative candidates over alleged bets on the July 4th election date.
An industry source told Sky News that “more names” are being investigated, but the police are so far “not involved”.
Talking about the Electoral Dysfunction Podcast with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby and former broadcaster and presenter Carol Vorderman, the former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, delved into the fallout from the alleged betting scandal.
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“What a shit show. First of all, I mean, how tawdry is this?” she said.
She described it as akin to “insider trading” and criticized Rishi Sunak’s response, saying he had repeatedly failed to get out in front and take control of events.
Speaking on the podcast, Vorderman added: “The Conservative party as it stands is just despicable, it’s dirty.
“And this went on and on.
“From outside the Westminster bubble, regardless of what Sunak says, people now openly laugh at Tory politicians whenever they are outside your studio, Beth.
“Whenever they are in front of an audience, they do not command any respect.”
The trio also discussed tactical voting and why candidates target some seats more than others.
Conservative candidates Craig Williams and Laura Saunders are under investigation. Ms Saunders is married to the party’s campaigns director, Tony Lee.
Laura Saunders is the party’s candidate for Bristol North West. Photo: Laura Saunders for Bristol North West
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It also emerged this week that one of Mr Sunak’s close protection police officers was also arrested for alleged betting on the timing of the election.
During a BBC Question Time leaders’ event, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “incredibly angry” to learn of the allegations and said that if anyone had broken the rules “they should face the full force of the law”.
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However, he refused to suspend the candidates while investigations were ongoing.
This comes as election campaigns approach, in the last two weeks before the country goes to the polls.
Email the electoraldysfunction@sky.uk team, post on X to @BethRigby or send a WhatsApp voice note to 07934 200 444.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
