Rishi Sunak’s most senior adviser, Liam Booth-Smith, has been interviewed as a witness by the Gambling Commission in connection to an investigation into election bets. The Commission is looking into allegations that a senior Conservative Party official placed bets on the outcome of the general election, which saw Sunak’s party secure a decisive victory.
Booth-Smith, who is considered a key figure in Sunak’s inner circle, was called in for questioning by the Gambling Commission last week as part of their probe into the matter. The Commission is said to be examining whether any laws were broken or if there was any insider information used to place the bets.
The election bets in question reportedly involved significant sums of money being wagered on the outcome of the election, with some bets being placed on specific constituencies and even individual candidates. The Gambling Commission is particularly concerned with ensuring that any betting activity related to elections is conducted fairly and transparently, without any undue influence or manipulation.
Booth-Smith, who is known for his close relationship with Sunak and his involvement in key decision-making processes, has denied any wrongdoing in connection to the bets. His testimony to the Gambling Commission is expected to shed further light on the details of the bets and the individuals involved in the gambling activity.
The investigation by the Gambling Commission has raised concerns about the potential influence of betting on election outcomes and the need for greater transparency in the political betting industry. The Commission has vowed to get to the bottom of the matter and hold those responsible to account if any wrongdoing is uncovered.
Sunak, who has refrained from commenting on the issue publicly, is reportedly standing by his adviser, insisting that Booth-Smith has acted with integrity and in accordance with the law. The Prime Minister has also expressed confidence in the impartiality of the Gambling Commission’s investigation and has called for a swift resolution to the matter.
The outcome of the Gambling Commission’s investigation remains to be seen, but the controversy surrounding the election bets has cast a shadow over Sunak’s administration and raised questions about the ethics of political betting. As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on Booth-Smith and the Commission as they work to uncover the truth behind the bets that have sparked national attention.