Huge spike in bets on day before Sunak announced election

Good evening. Josh here to guide you though today’s news.

Data reveals a flood of bets were placed on a July election on the day before one was announced by Rishi Sunak.

Coincidentally, the Conservative Party’s director of campaigning has taken a “leave of absence” while he is investigated over an alleged bet on the date of the general election.

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Huge spike in bets on day before Sunak announced election

Analysis of data provided by bookmakers showed that almost all the wagers on a July poll – totalling thousands of pounds – were made in a few hours on May 21. At just after 5.15pm the next day, Mr Sunak announced the surprise summer election – full story.

Meanwhile, a former Conservative Party leader has said Tories who are being investigated over allegations of betting on the date of the general election are “incredibly stupid and venal” – follow live updates.

Conservative campaigning director takes ‘leave of absence’ amid election gambling probe

A Tory source has confirmed that Tony Lee is taking break from his role. It had earlier emerged that his wife, Laura Saunders, was facing an inquiry by the Gambling Commission. Ms Saunders, a Tory candidate, previously worked at Conservative Party headquarters in central London – read the full story.

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