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Tory duo probed in election betting claims

(Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

Dear oh dear. Now it transpires that a second Tory election candidate is facing scrutiny over an alleged bet related to the timing of the national poll. Laura Saunders, the party’s candidate for Bristol North West and a former CCHQ staffer, is being investigated by the Gambling Commission – the second Conservative candidate to face questions on bets in so many weeks. Mr S understands that it is not currently known when the alleged bet was placed – or for how much money.

Saunders has worked in the Tory party since 2015 and was most recently involved in the International Division of CCHQ, which works with a range of political parties across the world. Saunders is married to the Conservative party’s director of campaigns, Tony Lee, who took a leave of absence from party headquarters on Wednesday. It has now been revealed that Lee is also being investigated by the Gambling Commission over an alleged bet related to the general election timing.

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Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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