Five more Metropolitan Police officers are involved in the growing investigation into betting on the election – but it is unclear if they will face any action.
The first officer who was confirmed to be part of the Gambling Commission’s probe was suspended and arrested due to their role in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s close protection team.
Gambling Commission laws state that it could be a criminal offence to use confidential information to gain an unfair advantage when betting.
The Conservative Party has subsequently withdrawn its support for general election candidates Laura Saunders and Craig Williams after they admitted their involvement in the probe.
But while the first police officer involved was a member of the prime minister’s close protection team, the next five who are alleged to have placed bets are not.
A Metropolitan Police statement to BBC News said the first officer is on restricted duties.
It added: “It is still the case that only one officer is under criminal investigation.
“We have, however, been passed information from the Gambling Commission alleging that five further officers have placed bets related to the timing of the election.
“The officers are based on the Royalty and Specialist Command, the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command and the Central West Basic Command Unit. None of them work in a close protection role.
“Decisions on whether they will be subject to any restrictions will be taken in due course.”
