OPINION - The Standard View: Betting scandal is a threat to more than just the Tories
Public confidence in our political system has reached record lows. As many as 58 per cent say they “almost never” trust “politicians of any party in Britain to tell the truth when they are in a tight corner”, up 19 points from 2020, according to the National Centre for Social Research.
This is a phenomenon unlikely to be improved by revelations that a second Tory candidate is being looked into by the Gambling Commission for allegedly placing bets on the date of the general election. Indeed, there are fears more could be uncovered.
Speaking at a BBC election special yesterday evening, the Prime Minister said he was “incredibly angry” to learn of these allegations. Few will doubt his sincerity. Past the halfway point of a Conservative campaign that has been reduced to warning against a Labour “super-majority”, Rishi Sunak is now associated by proximity with allies who stand accused of seeking to profit from the date of the snap election that he called. T
he ability to call an election at a time of a prime minister’s own choosing is no doubt a valuable prerogative of power. It is not supposed to contain the prospect of monetary value for anyone in an official capacity who may have inside information. Such behaviour is more than reckless — it is damaging to the foundations of our democracy.
Reform needs culling
Nigel Farage praised misogynist influencer Andrew Tate — charged last year by a Romanian court with rape and human trafficking — as “an important voice” for “emasculated boys” in a podcast in February, according to The Guardian.
Reform UK’s candidate in Exeter, Lee Bunker, has previously suggested Diane Abbott be deported. Abbott was born in Paddington, while Bunker remains endorsed by his party. Other reports suggest that almost one in 10 of the party’s candidates in England are Facebook “friends” with British fascist leader Gary Raikes.
Reform is unlikely to win more than a handful of seats. But its influence in this campaign is unmistakable, and it could have a significant say on the future direction of the Conservatives. If Farage’s party wants to be considered mainstream and serious, it must disown candidates who have no place in parliament.
Taylor-made Tube map
Welcome to London (Taylor’s version). The capital has rolled out the red carpet for the biggest name in music, for the first of eight shows at Wembley. And no greater honour can be bestowed than the renaming of London Underground lines and stations in recognition of her songs and albums.
Are you ready for it? Turn the pages of today’s Standard to see them in Technicolor glory.
