Betting Scandal Could Be “Final Nail In Coffin” For Tory Party, Say Gleeful Labour Sources

Last night’s TV leaders special suggests the betting scandal could be the “final nail in the coffin” for the faltering Tory election campaign, according to gleeful Labour sources.

Two Tory candidates and the Conservative Party’s campaign director are under investigation by the Gambling Commission for allegedly placing bets on the July election date. One of the candidates under investigation, Craig Williams, is also still in post as Sunak’s PPS, raising questions from some as to why no action has been taken to remove him. 

One Tory MP seeking re-election is unequivocal. “We should suspend Williams”, he tells PoliticsHome. 

In the debate the PM admitted he was “incredibly angry” over the allegations but refused to say that he would suspend those named until the investigation is concluded. 

He added: “If anyone is found to have broken the rules I will make sure that they are booted out of the Conservative Party.”

Notably there were no Cabinet ministers out to support the PM last night; many were at the Hurlingham Club where donors were gathered. It was left up to David Davis to try and defend the Prime Minister’s position. He told PoliticsHome if the allegations were true “it’ll be a disgrace.” 

“Like the Prime Minister I'm angry about it, it makes you disappointed.”

When the PM arrived at the debate last night, the Question Time team thought he looked “terrified” – and given the grilling he received, it soon became clear why. 

A brutal first question put to the PM asked whether he had even a "small amount of embarrassment" over the state of the Conservative Party, which got more than a few laughs in the spin room. 

Jonathan Ashworth was sent out to bat for Labour after the debate, calling Rishi Sunak a "weak leader" for his