The Metropolitan Police has ended its investigation into the general election betting scandal without bringing any charges.
A number of Conservative politicians and officials, as well as police officers based around parliament, got into hot water over allegations they had placed bets on the timing of July’s vote before it had been publicly announced by then prime minister Rishi Sunak, dogging the campaign for the party.
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But the force said on Friday that while it had looked into a “small number of cases” that could have resulted in misconduct in public office offences, none of them reached the “high bar” needed to go to court and it was ending its probe.
However, the Met warned the Gambling Commission was still investigating whether the incidents breached section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 – namely cheating – and the watchdog had “statutory prosecutorial power”, with those found guilty facing a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
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Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin said: “These allegations caused a significant dent in public confidence during the election campaign and it was right that they were investigated to explore all possible offences.
“While our involvement in the criminal investigation now ceases, it’s important that is not misinterpreted as an all clear for those whose cases were looked at.
“There are still Gambling Act offences to consider and it is appropriate that they are taken forward by investigators from the Gambling Commission who have particular expertise in this field.”
She also revealed a total of seven police officers were among those still being looked into by the commission, and that they remained under investigation by the Met’s directorate of professional standards.
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The chief executive of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, said the watchdog had interviewed several suspects under caution, and were continuing to interview witnesses, as well as gathering “further documentary and electronic evidence”.
He added: “We have remained focused on our criminal investigation into confidential information being used to gain an unfair advantage when betting on the date of the general election.
“We clearly appreciate the level of public interest there is in this investigation but in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure a fair and just outcome, we are unable to comment further at this time, including the name of any person who may be under suspicion, or the total number of suspects.”
A Conservative Party spokesperson said: “We will not be commenting whilst the Gambling Commission investigation is ongoing.”