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Many more people than the leading Tories already identified are being investigated by the gambling regulator in relation to bets on the date of the general election, Sky News understands.

And in a major new development, the watchdog has widened its inquiries to investigate whether people with inside knowledge may have asked a third party to place a bet for them.

Sky News also understands that investigators have written to leading bookmakers asking for details of bets of £20 or more on the election date within days of Rishi Sunak announcing it on 22 May.

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The body carrying out the investigation, the Gambling Commission, already takes a close interest in political betting and carries out extra checks on bets by people connected with politics, Sky News has been told.

The gambling industry also regards politicians and those who work closely with them as PEPs – politically exposed persons – who are people “entrusted with a prominent public function”.

That’s because these people generally “present a higher risk for potential involvement in bribery and corruption by virtue of their position and influence”, according to the Law Society.

Nick Mason, the Conservative's chief data officer, is being investigated by the Electoral Commission
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Nick Mason, the Conservative’s chief data officer, is being investigated by the Electoral Commission

Laura Saunders is the party’s candidate in Bristol North West.
Pic: Laura Saunders for Bristol North West
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Laura Saunders is the party’s candidate in Bristol North West.
Pic: Laura Saunders for Bristol North West

It emerged on Saturday evening Nick Mason, the Tory party’s chief data officer, was the fourth Conservative candidate or official being investigated. He has taken a leave of absence and denies any wrongdoing.

Mr Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary Craig Williams, the Tory candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, admitted last week to placing a “flutter” on the date of the election.

Earlier this week, Tony Lee, the party’s director of campaigns, and his wife Laura Saunders, the Tory candidate for Bristol North West, were also placed under investigation.

Mr Sunak’s close protection officer has been arrested for allegedly betting on the timing of the election.

Craig Williams admitted to betting on the election date. Pic: PA
Image:
Craig Williams admitted to betting on the election date. Pic: PA

Home Secretary James Cleverly told Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips he had been told “very, very clearly” to not discuss the investigation.

He added: “I’m not in any way going to defend people who placed bets on that.”

Asked whether there was a wider betting circle, Mr Cleverly said: “That’s not my understanding. My understanding is it’s a small number of individuals.”

He also said he has “no reason to believe” any ministers are involved in betting on the timing of the election.

What is the law around gambling?

There are strict rules around gambling, with the latest laws updated in 2005.

Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 deals with cheating and says a person commits an offence if they cheat at gambling or do “anything for the purpose of enabling or assisting another person to cheat at gambling”.

It adds: “It is immaterial whether a person who cheats improves his changes of winning anything, or wins anything.”

Cheating is defined as an “actual or attempted deception or interference in connection with the process by which gambling is conducted, or a real or virtual game, race or other event or process to which gambling relates”.

Someone found guilty of cheating at gambling can be imprisoned for a maximum of two years and/or fined, or six months in prison for a lesser offence.

Betting with insider knowledge is also not allowed as an MP, with the MPs’ code of conduct prohibiting members from “causing significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the house”.

A Gambling Commission spokesman said: “The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the interests of consumers and the wider public.

“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. We are not confirming or denying the identity of any individuals involved in this investigation.”

A Conservative spokesman told Sky News: “As instructed by the Gambling Commission, we are not permitted to discuss any matters related to any investigation with the subject or any other persons.”

The other candidates for Bristol North West are:

Caroline Gooch, Lib Dems

Darren Jones, Labour

Scarlett O’Connor, Reform UK

Mary Page, Green Party

Ben Smith, SDP

The other candidates for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr are:

Jeremy Brignell-Thorp, Green Party

Oliver Lewis, Reform Uk

Glyn Preston, Lib Dems

Elwyn Vaughan, Plaid Cymru

Steve Witherden, Labour

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Liverpool trophy parade: Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug offences, police say

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Liverpool trophy parade: Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug offences, police say

A suspect detained after a car struck pedestrians at a Liverpool FC trophy parade was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs, Merseyside Police have said.

The 53-year-old is described as white British and from the West Derby area of Liverpool.

Police say 11 people are still being treated in hospital and are recovering well. A total of 65 people were injured, they said.

Liverpool parade updates: Follow the latest developments

At a press briefing this afternoon, assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said the car followed an ambulance after a road block on Water Street was lifted so paramedics could help a man who had a suspected heart attack.

The car entered the road from Rumford Street, Merseyside Police said.

Map showing where police say the car entered Water Street.

Detectives have said the incident is not being treated as terror-related, and no further suspects are being sought.

“There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place,” Ms Sims said.

She also defended the policing operation during the parade, saying the force planned for “all contingencies”.

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‘From jubilation to sirens’

Her comment came after the city’s metro mayor Steve Rotheram said questions about how the car was able to enter the road were “legitimate”.

The arrested man remains in custody and is being interviewed by officers, police said.

Forensic officers at the scene in Water Street.
Pic: PA
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Pic: PA


Forensic officers at the scene in Water Street.
Pic: PA
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Forensic officers at the scene today. Pic: PA

Merseyside Police is receiving help from neighbouring forces “due to the number of victims”, detective chief superintendent Karen Jaundrill added.

She continued: “Extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place.

“We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there last night.”

More from Sky News:
Why police released ‘unprecedented’ arrest details
Eyewitnesses describe car driving into crowd

Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill and Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims from Merseyside Police speaking during a press conference at police headquarters, in Liverpool.
Pic: PA
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Detective chief superintendent Karen Jaundrill and assistant chief constable Jenny Sims speaking at police headquarters. Pic: PA

Couple ‘traumatised’ after being hit

A couple hit by the car told Sky News they have been left “traumatised”.

Jack Trotter and his girlfriend Abbie Gallagher had just met some other Liverpool fans and were taking videos, when the Ford Galaxy quickly approached.

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Victims recall being hit by car

Miss Gallagher told Sky told our communities correspondent Lisa Holland she was separated from her boyfriend as the car struck them both.

“I look around and there’s people in the air,” she said. “I just freaked out. I was just trying to find Jack.

“Luckily enough, he heard me screaming. He came up and said, ‘I’m here’. We didn’t know what to say, we were just crying.”

Royals ‘saddened’ by events

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Princess Anne visits Liverpool after parade crash

Messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool since the incident, with the Prince and Princess of Wales saying they were “deeply saddened” by the events.

“What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy,” they added.

Meanwhile, the King, who is currently taking part in a tour of Canada, said: “I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”

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Royal Family ‘deeply saddened’ by Liverpool parade incident

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Royal Family 'deeply saddened' by Liverpool parade incident

The King and other members of the Royal Family have said they are “deeply saddened” after a number of people were struck by a car during Liverpool FC’s title parade.

The monarch said he and the Queen were “deeply shocked and saddened” by Monday’s incident in the city.

The head of state, who is currently on a two-day visit in Canada with his wife, said: “It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances.

“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”

Liverpool parade latest: ‘All you heard was screaming,’ witness says

Fans left the area as police and emergency personnel deal with the incident.
Pic: AP
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Police and other emergency personnel at the scene of the incident in Liverpool. Pic: AP

The Prince and Princess of Wales have also issued a statement, saying they were “deeply saddened” by what happened in Liverpool.

William, who is patron of the Football Association, and his wife Kate said in a message shared by Kensington Palace on social media: “What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.

More on Liverpool

“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground.”

Meanwhile, the Princess Royal visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital on Tuesday, where she met medical staff who treated some of the 47 people injured when a vehicle hit fans attending the parade.

The Princess Royal thanked medical staff from the hospital team. Pic: PA
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The Princess Royal thanked hospital staff. Pic: PA

Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital, Marc Lucky, told Princess Anne that medics were “very, very fortunate” that there were not more major injuries.

Consultant Jay Rathore added: “Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them.”

The princess was already due to be in Liverpool on Tuesday to visit the MS Queen Anne after it arrived on Monday for Cunard’s 185th anniversary celebrations.

Read more about Liverpool incident:
What we know so far after dozens injured
Eyewitnesses describe shock and sadness

The royals attended an event showcasing the cultural heritage and diversity of Canada. Pic: PA
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The King and Queen are currently on a trip to Canada. Pic: PA

She expanded her itinerary to also meet nurses, consultants, and paramedics, as well as representatives from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the football club, in light of Monday night’s incident.

“We really appreciate you still coming, because it will mean a lot to the people of the city,” Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said as he thanked the princess for her visit.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The princess would like to share her heartfelt condolences and support for the families and communities affected.

“Her Royal Highness also wishes to acknowledge the courage of the emergency services, some of whom she met today, and all those providing care and comfort during this difficult time.”

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King says Canada will remain ‘strong and free’ despite facing ‘unprecedented’ challenges

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King says Canada will remain 'strong and free' despite facing 'unprecedented' challenges

King Charles says Canada will remain “strong and free” – in a speech viewed by many Canadians as a show of support for the country’s sovereignty following annexation threats by Donald Trump.

It comes after Mr Trump repeatedly suggested that Canada should become America’s 51st state.

Prime Minister Mark Carney later invited Charles, who is the head of state in Canada, to the state opening of parliament.

On Tuesday, Charles said in a speech, written by Mr Carney’s government to open Canada’s parliament, that the country would remain “strong and free”, quoting the national anthem, but did not directly refer to Mr Trump’s annexation threats.

“We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented,” the King told politicians in the Senate Building in Ottawa in French.

“Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them,” he added.

Mark Carney applauds the King. Pic: PA
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Mark Carney applauded the King. Pic: PA

King Charles speaks with former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Pic: PA
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King Charles spoke with former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Pic: PA

In the speech, he highlighted his admiration for “Canada’s unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values”.

He set out the government’s legislative agenda on the second day of his Canada visit, an honour usually reserved for the governor general.

King Charles is only the second monarch, after his mother Queen Elizabeth II, to do so. The late queen delivered the speech at the state opening of the Canadian parliament in 1957, her first visit to the country as head of state, and again in 1977.

King Charles and Queen Camilla ride in a horse-drawn landau, accompanied by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Pic: Reuters
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King Charles and Queen Camilla were riding in a horse-drawn landau. Pic: Reuters

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive ahead of the opening of parliament. Pic: PA
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured ahead of the opening of parliament. Pic: PA

Charles and Camilla laid a wreath at the national war memorial in Ottawa. Pic: PA
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Charles and Camilla laid a wreath at the national war memorial in Ottawa. Pic: PA

He said that it has been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened the Canadian parliament, and at the time, World War II remained a painful memory while the Cold War was intensifying simultaneously.

“Freedom and democracy were under threat,” the King said.

“Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.”

‘So much more than a royal visit’

This trip was so much more than a royal visit, it was all about cementing Canada’s sovereignty.

And what we’ve seen is two short days, poignantly packed with spectacle and symbolism.

From an open-top carriage procession to a theatrical political ceremony – Canada wanted to put on a visual show of sovereignty, and this was a masterclass.

All the stops were pulled out.

The King must sit above politics, but this was a very political visit. He is King of Canada and head of state here.

But he arrives at a time of fractious relations between Canada and the US.

Putting him at the centre of Canada’s parliament sends a strong signal to President Trump.

During the speech, the King added his own warm words, speaking with deep affection about the country. He also spoke of how the crown brings Canada “unity” and represents “stability and continuity”.

And then, reading the words of his government, a punchy message to President Trump. Delivered by the King, the words hit home harder.

When he quoted the national anthem with the words Canada must stay “strong and free”, the applause rose up.

At a time when Canada feels threatened by the US, having the King on side matters.

The King has been walking a delicate diplomatic tightrope in Ottawa. Here to celebrate Canada, without causing offence to politicians south of the border.

President Trump can be unpredictable, but he affectionately holds the King and Royal Family in high regard, and that goes a long way.

The King heads home after just twenty-three hours.

Canada has been visibly boosted – the bond with its King has been renewed and strategically strengthened.

He added that since Queen Elizabeth II’s first Canadian parliament opening, the country “has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth”.

Addressing the protection of Canada’s sovereignty, Charles read out a promise by the Canadian government that it would rebuild, rearm and reinvest in its armed forces.

“It will invest to strengthen its presence in the north, as this region, which is an integral part of the Canadian nation, faces new threats,” he read.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are led by procession to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada
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King Charles and Queen Camilla were led by procession to open the first session of parliament in Canada

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers on horseback ride towards the Senate of Canada  Building on the day of Britain's King Charles' visit, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Pic: Reuters
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Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers on horseback rode towards the senate building. Pic: Reuters

King Charles and Queen Camilla  visit the Senate.
Pic: Reuters
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King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Senate. Pic: Reuters

The speech, which was awarded a standing ovation by attendees, was largely written by officials working for Mr Carney’s government, with Charles adding his own comments about his love for Canada.

The King opening Canada’s parliament is a “clear message of sovereignty” and “not coincidental”, Mr Carney previously said.

Read more from Sky News:
Carney: Canadians facing ‘biggest crisis’ of their life
Canada will ‘never be part of US’, country’s PM says

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King’s Canada visit: Why is it important?

King Charles and Mark Carney
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King Charles and Mark Carney during the event

He also revealed that Canadians “weren’t impressed” by the decision of the UK government to offer Mr Trump an unprecedented second state visit to the UK.

Mr Carney said the invitation Sir Keir Starmer handed to the US president earlier this year “cut across clear messages” that the Canadian government was trying to send to the White House in response to their threats against Canada’s sovereignty, including Mr Trump’s idea for it to be America’s 51st state.

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