Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision to call for an early election in the UK has taken a new turn as a betting scandal rocks his campaign. According to reports from the BBC, a Conservative Party candidate is under investigation by the UK's gambling regulator for allegedly using inside information to place a bet on the timing of the upcoming general election.

The candidate in question is Laura Saunders, who is running for the Bristol North West constituency in southwest England. Her bet, including its value and the date she backed for the election, has not been disclosed. To add further intrigue, Saunders is married to Tony Lee, the director of campaigning at the Conservative Party, who is also being looked into by the regulator.

As a result of this shocking revelation, the Conservatives' director of campaigning has taken a leave of absence with only two weeks left in the campaign, which was already facing challenges. Recent polls have indicated that the Conservative Party may be in line for its worst result in over a century, potentially reducing their lawmakers in Parliament to around 70 out of 650 seats.

Prime Minister Sunak surprised analysts by announcing the election date as July 4, catching many off guard. Bookmakers had previously considered November the most likely month for the election, with odds of up to 6-1 for July. However, the decision to hold an early election has seemingly backfired for Sunak and his party.

Saunders is not the only Conservative Party member under scrutiny for betting on the secret snap election. Craig Williams, described as Sunak's closest aide, who is seeking re-election for his parliamentary seat in Wales, has also apologized. It was revealed that he placed a bet worth approximately $127 on a July election just three days before the official announcement.

Williams admitted to making a "huge error in judgment" and apologized for his actions. Both Saunders and Williams are now being investigated by the Gambling Commission as part of an independent process.

In an unexpected development, a police officer from Sunak's close protection team has been arrested and suspended from duty. Reports indicate that the officer was allegedly involved in placing bets on the election's timing. The officer, from the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, is facing allegations of misconduct in public office.

These betting allegations have proven to be a major setback for Sunak and the Conservative Party. They come at a time when the party is already facing challenges, including criticism of Sunak for leaving D-Day commemoration events in France early to fly back to the UK for a television interview.

As the investigation continues, the scandal threatens to further damage the Conservative Party's prospects in the upcoming election. The Prime Minister and his team must now find a way to regain lost ground and regain the trust of the electorate amidst this unfolding controversy.