In the latest development surrounding the alleged bets on the date of the general election, Conservative candidates are now under investigation by the Gambling Commission. Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, stated that he is unaware of any other Conservative candidates being probed by the commission. However, he confirmed that the party is conducting its own internal inquiries in parallel with the commission's investigation.

While the identities of those being investigated by the commission have not been disclosed, four Conservative candidates have been named thus far, including two who are currently standing for election. Pressure has mounted on Sunak, even from within his own party, to suspend the two candidates involved. Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative politician, described the situation as "deeply unhelpful" and called for robust action.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also criticized Sunak, urging him to show leadership by suspending the candidates. He dismissed the internal inquiry initiated by the Conservative Party, suggesting that it was an attempt to delay action until after the election. Sir Keir emphasized that if these were his candidates, they would have been removed immediately.

Defending the Prime Minister, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris underscored the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and advocated for allowing the regulators to conduct their investigation without interference. He encouraged the commission to proceed with their inquiries without delay.

The controversy surrounding the gambling allegations emerged earlier in the month, centered around Craig Williams, one of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's closest aides. Williams reportedly placed a £100 bet on a July polling day only three days before the official date was announced. Williams, who is standing for the Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr constituencies, expressed regret for what he described as a "huge error in judgment." However, he refused to disclose whether he had bet based on insider information.

Laura Saunders, the Conservative candidate for Bristol North West, and her partner Tony Lee, the Conservative director of campaigning, are also under scrutiny by the Gambling Commission. Additionally, the party's chief data officer, Nick Mason, finds himself under investigation. Mr. Mason's spokesperson has denied any wrongdoing. Both Mason and Lee have taken leaves of absence from their party roles amidst the ongoing investigation.

While the names released so far have sparked public interest, it is believed that the Gambling Commission is investigating more individuals associated with the government's party. However, official details of the commission's inquiries remain undisclosed.

During a press conference in Edinburgh, Chancellor Sunak confirmed that he is not under investigation and has never placed bets on political events as an MP. He assured the public that he would take appropriate action based on the findings of the party's internal inquiries and cooperate with the Gambling Commission.

In response to a question from the Sun newspaper's political editor, Sunak emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of ongoing investigations but reiterated that any individuals found to have broken the rules should face legal consequences and be expelled from the Conservative Party.

Conservative candidate Tobias Ellwood, considering the extent and potential impact of the scandal, also voiced support for withdrawing Conservative support from Williams and Saunders. He emphasized the public's desire for decisive action to address the issue.

Jo Johnson, a Conservative peer and former minister, expressed immense frustration among party candidates and activists for the ongoing situation. He called on Prime Minister Johnson to take firm action, highlighting the need for clarity and suspensions in similar circumstances.

The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, criticized the Conservative Party's response, suggesting that they prioritize their own interests instead of serving the public. Meanwhile, Labour's election coordinator, Pat McFadden, urged the Gambling Commission to disclose the names of other figures under investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits further updates. The full list of candidates from the Bournemouth East, Bristol North West, Montgomeryshire, and Glyndwr constituencies can be found on the BBC News website.