Conservative candidate Laura Saunders' gambling controversy and polls predicting Conservative disaster are discussed by hosts Laura Saunders and Hannah Barnes. The Tory scandal involves Rishi Sunak's team and CCHQ, while polls indicate trouble for the party. Sign up for the New Statesman's newsletter and submit questions for future episodes.
Conservative Party facing betting scandal with close aides implicated in election bets.
Recent polls predict dire electoral outcomes for the Conservatives, highlighting potential significant losses and uncertainties.
Deep dives
Scandal Unfolds in Tory Betting Scandal
A betting scandal in the Conservative Party escalated as close aides to Rishi Sunak were revealed to have placed bets on the election outcome. Rishi Sunak's police protection officer was arrested, and others connected to him were also under investigation by the Gambling Commission for allegedly betting on election-related events, leading to serious implications within the Party and potential campaign fallout.
Mega Polls Predict Conservative Disaster
Recent mega polls suggested a dire electoral outcome for the Conservatives, with predictions ranging from a catastrophic seating outcome under 60 seats to a maximum projection of 162 seats. The polls highlighted a shift in expectations compared to earlier predictions, indicating significant uncertainties and potentially pivotal losses for prominent Conservative figures.
Question Time's Impact and Housing Proposals
The upcoming Question Time special featuring key political figures presents a critical opportunity and challenge for politicians to connect with the electorate. Housing policies have emerged as a focal point, with the Conservatives proposing stamp duty abolition for first-time buyers, contrasting with Labour's focus on renters' rights and housing improvements. Additionally, analysis of current polling data indicates potential challenges for both main parties and a significant shift in voting patterns, leading to speculation on future party leadership dynamics and electoral outcomes.
The Tory gambling scandal respawned last night when it was revealed that a met officer working in Rishi Sunak's protection team had been arrested over alleged bets, and also being looked into by the Gambling Commission is Laura Saunders - a Conservative candidate who happens to be married to the director of campaigns in CCHQ.
The team also discuss the three polls published last night; while the predictions may differ, all roads lead to disaster for the Conservatives.
Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent.
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