At the heart of British political news, a scandal erupts around the arrest of a bodyguard of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for having bet on the date of the United Kingdom’s national elections. This event, which occurred even before the election date was made official, shook the regulatory authorities and the machinery of the London police.
According to information provided by the Metropolitan Police, an officer serving with the Royal and High-ranking Personalities Protection Unit has been arrested on suspicion of professional misconduct. This arrest follows a report issued by the Gambling Commission, responsible for regulating the gambling industry in the United Kingdom. The Commission confirmed that it was investigating possible violations linked to the announcement of the election date.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised many members of his own political party by announcing that the general election would take place on July 4. This date was a state secret and had been kept confidential until the official announcement. The fact that a bodyguard was able to gamble on this sensitive information raises ethical and moral questions about using inside information for personal gain.
Betting is commonplace in the UK, where bookmakers offer odds on a host of events, from sports to elections to literary prize winners. However, it is illegal to cheat by using confidential information to influence predictions.
The arrested officer was released on bail and suspended from duty while the police investigation continues. His identity has not been revealed as British police often enforce a policy of not disclosing suspects before they are charged.
This scandal comes shortly after the revelations concerning Rishi Sunak’s aide-de-camp, Craig Williams, who had also bet 100 pounds sterling on the date of the elections before his official announcement. Williams, seeking his own re-election to Parliament, confirmed he was cooperating fully with the Gambling Commission, acknowledging he should have anticipated the ethical implications of such an act.
Faced with these events, a question of trust arises regarding the integrity of the security services and members of the government. The election betting affair highlights the need for public officials and state agents to uphold strict ethical standards and preserve public trust in democratic institutions.