Gambling watchdog urged to probe bets on Doncaster MP becoming Chancellor
A national newspaper reports “suspicious” bets being placed on Mr Healey becoming Chancellor
The gambling watchdog has been urged to investigate “suspicious” bets on Doncaster MP John Healey being appointed Chancellor.
The Mail on Sunday has claimed “insider” best were placed on the Rawmarsh and Conisbrough becoming Chancellor in new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Government.
The newspaper reported that in the hours before Mr Healey was formally announced at 6pm last Monday, four bets were placed – at 8am, 10am, noon and 1pm – at odds of between 80/1 and 140/1.
Each punt stood to win at least £600, well above the £100 threshold that triggers a Gambling Commission investigation.
They have now been reported to the watchdog, the Mail on Sunday said.
The former defence secretary’s appointment had been decided by Mr Burnham’s team long in advance – but Labour ensured it was not leaked by keeping, in the words of one source, ‘the circle very, very tight’.
Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick told the MoS: ‘The watchdog should investigate this suspicious activity. It was only last month that a former Tory MP pleaded guilty to cheating at gambling over the timing of the general election. It would be outrageous if someone at the top of the Labour party has done the same.’