In a shocking turn of events, a close protection officer for Rishi Sunak has been arrested and suspended over alleged bets regarding the timing of the general election. The officer, who is a member of the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) Command, responsible for providing personal close protection to ministerial VIPs and members of the Royal Family, found themselves embroiled in a scandal involving bets, with at least one of them involving a three-figure sum. This incident comes on the heels of an investigation surrounding Mr. Sunak’s close parliamentary aide Craig Williams, who had also bet on a July election date.
The Gambling Commission alerted the Met Police about the activities of the police constable, leading to an immediate referral to the force’s directorate of professional standards. The officer was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was taken into custody before being released on bail pending further inquiries. Both the Gambling Commission and the Met Police are running parallel investigations into the alleged betting offenses, with details being scarce at this point.
The matter has also been brought to the attention of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who will determine the extent of their involvement based on the information provided by the Metropolitan Police Service. The IOPC spokesperson mentioned that they had received a mandatory referral and would decide on the appropriate actions in due course.
The fallout from these incidents has been significant, with Mr. Sunak expressing his disappointment over the situation. Mr. Williams, who held the position of the Prime Minister’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS), has faced backlash after his bets on the election date were revealed. As a PPS, he serves as the Prime Minister’s liaison in the Commons, making the implications of his actions even more severe. Despite facing inquiries into the matter, Mr. Williams has not disclosed whether he had any insider information when placing the bet, emphasizing that he will cooperate fully with the investigation.
The events surrounding the close protection officer and Mr. Williams shed light on the ethical and legal boundaries that public officials and law enforcement officers must adhere to. The intertwining of politics, gambling, and law enforcement in this case has raised concerns about the integrity of the system and the accountability of those tasked with upholding it. As investigations continue and more information comes to light, it is crucial for transparency and accountability to prevail in order to restore faith in the institutions involved. It remains to be seen how these incidents will impact the political landscape and the perception of those entrusted with key responsibilities in the UK.
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