UK Prime Minister’s bodyguard arrested in election scandal

A bodyguard for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been arrested and suspended by the Metropolitan Police amid an investigation into alleged bets on the date of the next general election.

The officer, part of the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The Metropolitan Police was contacted by the Gambling Commission on June 14, leading to an immediate referral to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, which began an investigation. The officer was removed from operational duties and subsequently arrested on June 17. He was taken into custody and later bailed, with further enquiries pending.

A Met Police spokesperson confirmed the involvement of the Directorate of Professional Standards and the officer’s removal from duty, adding that the matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The Gambling Commission is leading the investigation into the alleged betting offences.

A spokesperson for the Gambling Commission stated, “Currently, the commission is investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election. This is an ongoing investigation, and the commission cannot provide any further details at this time.”

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper responded to the incident, calling for a Cabinet Office inquiry. “Rishi Sunak must call a Cabinet Office inquiry into what is shaping up to be yet another scandal at the heart of Government. This stinks of yet more sleaze and answers are needed. An inquiry is needed to understand who knew what and when,” Cooper said.

The investigation continues, with both the Gambling Commission and the Metropolitan Police examining the details of the alleged offences.