With the UK’s general election just a week away, the ruling Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is embroiled in a scandal involving potentially illegal betting by individuals close to Sunak. The party, already struggling with record-low poll numbers, is now facing allegations that several members placed suspicious bets on the election date shortly before it was announced.

The Guardian first reported the investigation, which includes individuals such as Sunak’s close protection officer, MP Craig Williams, the party’s chief data officer Nick Mason, campaign director Tony Lee, and Tory candidate Laura Saunders. Authorities are investigating whether these individuals used insider knowledge about the election date to place bets, a potentially criminal offense.

The election, initially expected in the autumn, was surprisingly called for July 4. Betting data confirmed a flurry of bets on the date just before the announcement, raising suspicions. Despite the ongoing investigation, Sunak has faced criticism for not suspending the accused candidates immediately and for his lack of public response.

Labour leader Keir Starmer, who is leading in the polls, condemned Sunak’s slow response. The scandal has also implicated members from other parties, including Labour candidate Kevin Craig and Tory candidate Sir Philip Davies, both of whom bet on themselves to lose.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating whether the alleged betting offenses extend beyond gambling laws to include misconduct in public office. As the Conservative Party's troubles deepen, the scandal could further impact their performance in the upcoming election.