“Although I did not make this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome, it was a huge mistake, for which I apologize unreservedly. I deeply regret what I have done and will take the consequences of this stupid error of judgment chin. “
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The BBC reported that the Labor Party would return the £100,000 in donations Craig had made during Keir Starmer's leadership.
After standing by Craig Williams and Laura Saunders for several days, Sunak had pulled the plug on the candidates on Tuesday morning, as a “result of ongoing internal inquiries”.
Williams, a close ally of Sunak, admitted he bet £100 ($191) on a July election days before the date was announced.
He said in a video post to X that his name would remain on the ballot and committed to his campaign in the Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr constituency, where he is a candidate.
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“I made an error of judgment, not an offense and I want to reiterate my apologies directly to you,” he said.
Saunders, a Tory staffer and wife of the party's campaign manager Tony Lee, is based in Bristol North West. Lee has also taken a leave of absence following allegations that he was also investigated for alleged gambling.
Sunak announced on May 22 that parliamentary elections would be held on July 4. The date had been a closely guarded secret and many were surprised as a vote was expected later in the year.
The Met Police said the five additional officers had not been arrested or suspended. “Decisions on whether they will be subject to any restrictions will be made in due course,” he said.
Unlike the officer arrested last week, who was one of Sunak's bodyguards, the Met said none of the five investigated worked in a close protection role.
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