In a striking development, the chief data officer of Britain's Conservative Party, Nick Mason, has taken a leave of absence following mounting allegations of party members utilizing inside information to place bets on the date of Britain's July 4 national election. The incidents have sparked investigations by the U.K.'s Gambling Commission into several Conservative officials, including Mason, making wagers on the election's timing.

Reports from The Sunday Times and other sources indicate that Mason is the fourth Conservative official under scrutiny. It is alleged that numerous bets were placed, with potential winnings amounting to thousands of pounds. These revelations come on the heels of recent news that two Conservative election candidates, Laura Saunders and Craig Williams, are also being investigated by the gambling watchdog. Tony Lee, the husband of Laura Saunders and the Conservative director of campaigning, has also taken a leave of absence amidst allegations of involvement.

Further complicating matters, one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's police bodyguards was arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This arrest followed the confirmation by the gambling regulator of an ongoing investigation into possible offenses related to the date of the election.

The unfolding scandal deals a significant blow to the Conservative Party, especially with the national election just two weeks away. After a prolonged 14-year stint in power, the party is already predicted to lose to the opposition Labour Party. Prime Minister Sunak expressed his anger over the allegations, emphasizing that anyone found guilty of breaking the law should be expelled from the party.

The announcement of the July 4 parliamentary elections had caught many by surprise, as the date had been closely guarded, with expectations of a vote being held in the fall. Laura Saunders, a candidate standing in Bristol, has declared her full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Craig Williams, who served as Sunak's parliamentary private secretary and is running for reelection on July 4, has acknowledged being investigated by the Gambling Commission for placing a significant bet on a July election before the official announcement.

Senior Conservative minister Michael Gove has condemned the alleged betting and likened it to the previous ethics scandal known as "Partygate." The Partygate scandal had contributed to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's removal from office in 2022, leading to a severe decline in public trust in the Conservatives. Gove emphasized the potential damage caused by such incidents, stating that it could fuel public perceptions of a double standard in the party's ethical standards.

Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, echoed the sentiments of public discontent, urging Sunak to intervene by ordering an official inquiry. The Conservative Party, however, has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigations, citing the need to respect the ongoing process.