The Conservative Party’s director of campaigning is being looked into by the Gambling Commission over an alleged bet relating to the timing of the general election.

Tony Lee, who reportedly took a leave of absence from his job yesterday afternoon, is married to the Conservative candidate who is also being looked into by the betting industry regulator.

Bristol North West candidate Laura Saunders, who is married to Lee, is being investigated by the gambling regulator, reports BBC News.

Rishi Sunak’s parliamentary aide Craig Williams as well as a police officer working in Rishi Sunak’s close protection team are also being investigated.

An investigation has been launched (file pic)

It comes as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called on Laura Saunders to be suspended as a candidate. He told reporters: "This candidate should be suspended and it's very telling that Rishi Sunak has not already done that.

"If it was one of my candidates they'd be gone and their feet not have touched the floor."