The Spectator

Portrait of the week: gambling politicians, gender rows and a free Julian Assange 

issue 29 June 2024

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The Conservative party withdrew its support from two parliamentary candidates, Craig Williams (who was parliamentary private secretary to the Prime Minister) and Laura Saunders, both of whom the Gambling Commission had been investigating after allegations that bets had been placed on the date of the election. Two Conservative party workers and six policemen were also alleged to have been involved, one of the policemen being under criminal investigation. Others remained under investigation. Labour suspended a parliamentary candidate of its own, Kevin Craig, after being told the Gambling Commission was investigating him betting on failing to win the seat, which he now might. The candidates’ names would still appear on ballots as standing for their parties. Alister Jack, the Scottish Secretary, admitted to three bets, one winning him £2,100, but said: ‘I have never, on any occasion, broken any Gambling Commission rules.’ In six days to 24 June, 588 migrants arrived in small boats.

The Institute of Fiscal Studies said that the next government could ‘raise taxes by more than they have told us in their manifesto.

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