Up to 15 Conservatives ‘under investigation’ by Gambling Commission over betting scandal

As many as 15 Conservative candidates and officials are under investigation by the Gambling Commission over bets on the date of the general election, it has been claimed.

‌Two Tory candidates were suspended on Tuesday over allegations they put money on a July poll amid criticism of Rishi Sunak for failing to act sooner.

The party has now withdrawn its support for Craig Williams, Mr Sunak’s parliamentary aide, and Laura Saunders, who is on the ballot for Bristol North West.

‌Meanwhile Russell George, the Tories’ deputy chief whip in Wales, became the latest party figure to be publicly named as part of the investigation.

Victoria Derbyshire, the BBC Newsnight presenter, told viewers on Tuesday night that the number of Tories being scrutinised could be three times that number.

‌“In our investigation I’ve found that up to 15 Conservative Party candidates and officials are being scrutinised for alleged betting on the timing of the election,” she said.

‌“I’ve also learnt that Craig Williams, the former close aide to Rishi Sunak who lost his party’s support today, is expected to be interviewed this week by Gambling Commission officials.”

‌However, The Telegraph understands the Conservative Party does not recognise the number cited by Ms Derbyshire.