UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has voiced his severe disapproval of reports that three Conservative Party colleagues bet on the early disclosure of the general election date.
Sunak said during a live debate: "I was really angry to learn about these charges. It's a very severe subject. It's appropriate that they're being investigated thoroughly."
The Conservative Party's campaign director has taken a leave of absence in response to the incident, while an inquiry into betting activities that occurred before to the election date is underway.
Sunak further stated that anyone found to be in violation of the guidelines will face the "full consequences of the law" and be ejected from the party.
The claims add to a string of setbacks for the Conservatives, who are now lagging in polls to the centre-left Labour Party led by Keir Starmer. Some polls indicate that the Conservatives may suffer a historic setback, potentially ending their 14-year control.
Laura Saunders, a Conservative candidate for Bristol North West, is reportedly being investigated by Britain's gambling regulator for allegedly betting on the election date.
Her husband, Tony Lee, her campaign director, is also involved in the investigation.
Another contender has previously apologised for betting on the election date before it was officially announced on July 4th.
This event comes after the arrest of a police officer from Sunak's protection squad, who was accused of betting on the election date. The officer was arrested on June 17th on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has been withdrawn from operational duties while the Metropolitan Police and Gambling Commission undertake their investigations.
