Tory scandal grows as second candidate linked to Sunak’s inner circle faces questions over election date gambling

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Gambling Commission is investigating a second Tory candidate for taking a bet on the date of the election who may have had inside knowledge ahead of Rishi Sunak’s surprise announcement. open image in gallery Two candidates linked to the prime minister’s inner circle are being investigated over betting on the election date It has led to concerns of corruption in Mr Sunak’s inner circle using inside knowledge to profit from betting. “But I can talk about the broad principle and you’re absolutely right, it’s reprehensible.” open image in gallery Craig Williams served as the Prime Minister’s parliamentary private secretary and is under investigation over an alleged bet Michael Gove has said it would be “reprehensible” for someone to use inside information to bet on the date of the General Election. The Met told the BBC: “The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties.” Responding to the latest allegations against Ms Saunders, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "Rishi Sunak must find his backbone and suspend Laura Saunders from the Conservative party whilst this investigation is ongoing.