Ed Davey needs to play regulation assessment in upcoming election projections row

Sir Ed Davey has called for an evaluation of betting rules following revelations that parliamentary applicants are being investigated for alleged betting on elections through playing fees.

The Liberal Democrat leader said he had previously made predictions about the outcome of the election, but drew a distinction between what he described as “a shock” and having knowledge before placing a bet.

On the other hand, Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said that the tide rules were “pretty clear” and that the crisis was caused by the behavior of politicians.

Paintings and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has said there should be a “reasonable and thoughtful debate” on the topic, although cautioned against a “knee-jerk” reaction.

bbc newsnight have found out At least 15 Conservative Party applicants and officials are being investigated by the Playing Commission.

It is understood that the regulator may conduct interviews this time.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir are likely to face questions on the topic if given the opportunity In a BBC debate Will be broadcast at 20:15 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

There will be a circle of questions in the coming days on Tuesday The Conservatives withdrew backup for 2 of their parliamentary applicants. – Laura Saunders and Craig Williams – who are under investigation.

Russell George, a Conservative baby-kisser inside the Welsh Parliament, Inquiries can also be done through the regulator and has “stepped back” from his frontbench work.

Labor has rejected one of its applicants, Kevin Craig, who is under investigation On betting that he would lose his bid to become an MP,

Scottish Secretary Alistair Jack is not being considered by the commission but has admitted making three bets in an election year.

Mr Jack, who is not standing to stand as MP in the July 4 election, told the BBC that during April he had made a successful prediction that the election year would fall between July and September – with two similar terms being lost the following March.

He said his bets, which included two unsuccessful £5 bets and one successful £20 bet, did not breach any rules.

Asked about Mr Jack’s case, Mr Stride told BBC Radio 4’s These Days program that his assistant had been “very clear” that he had “not broken any rules or had any inside information”. Not used”.

He said there should be a “thoughtful debate” on the core topic, including one that once took place “between a politician who is betting on what our government will be in 10 years’ time” and someone who has a big The difference was what makes something more immediate. – or relating to their own seat for example”.

The minister argued that the point of interest would be on rule breaking and that there would be “very serious consequences” if members of the public were found doing wrong.

Asked via Instances Radio whether politicians should speculate on political opportunities, Mr Stride said: “My personal view, I would just say people shouldn’t do that.”

Sir Keir said he felt the foundation was “clear enough” and that he did not want to trade, adding that it was the “culture of politics” that needed to change.

“You can see why the Tories would want to take this debate to a change in the rules because it takes the focus away from the real issue which is the behavior of politicians.”

He said he had acted immediately on Mr Craig’s case and accused Mr Sunak of waiting “days and days” rather than getting backup from his applicants.

The Labor leader said he had bet on horses but never on politics.

Sir Ed told the BBC that he had bet on how well his party would do in the 2010 election but lost.

He also told ITV that he had placed a bet on the 2022 by-election in North Shropshire, which his party won.

He added, “Although I think a lot of people in politics do. One of the reasons why we need this assessment of the laws is to get real clarity on what is allowed and what is not. “

The comments came after a busy evening on Tuesday in which both Labor and the Conservatives withdrew support for their candidates.

Mr Craig, who stood for Labor Central Suffolk and North IpswichSaid he made a “stupid mistake” by betting against himself to win the seat.

In a statement, Mr Craig said he “did not anticipate this with any prior knowledge of the outcome” and that he planned to “donate any winnings to a local charity”.

“This was a huge mistake, for which I apologize wholeheartedly,” he said.

Mr Craig receives endorsement from Conservative parliamentary candidate bournemouth westConnor Burns.

In a social media post, he said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Labor overreacted to their candidate Kevin Craig, who would have had no information or what actually influenced the outcome of their preselection – more than anyone. The candidate can take the decision by separate vote.”

Following his party’s decision to withdraw support, Mr Williams – a close ally of the Prime Minister as well as a candidate Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr – Said that he remained “dedicated” to his campaign.

He said he had made an “error in information” but had committed “no crime”.

Last week, a spokesman for Ms Saunders said she would cooperate with the Gambling Commission and had nothing further to add.

Applicants will appear on ballots, although if elected they may stand aside pending the outcome of the investigation.