A police constable on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's protection team was arrested for alleged betting on the general election date, leading to investigations by the Met Police and the Gambling Commission.

The arrest of the officer, who was part of the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, has prompted dual investigations by both the Met and the Gambling Commission. The incident, which also involved Sunak’s aide Craig Williams making a bet on the election date, has sparked controversy and further complications for Sunak’s campaign amid a challenging electoral landscape.

The officer in question was an integral part of the Met's elite Royalty and Specialist Protection Command. This unit is charged with providing personal close protection to high-profile ministerial VIPs and members of the Royal Family. Such a role entails significant trust and responsibility, further intensifying the gravity of the allegations.

The arrest occurred on Monday, following suspicions of misconduct in public office. This development came after the Gambling Commission alerted the Met Police to its investigation into the officer's betting activities on Friday, June 14. Allegedly, the constable had placed wagers on the timing of the upcoming general election, scheduled for July 4.

In response to these allegations, the officer was immediately removed from operational duties. The case was then referred to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, which subsequently launched its own investigation. The matter was also brought to the attention of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Despite the Met Police's separate inquiry, the Gambling Commission continues to lead the primary investigation into the betting offenses.

Concurrent with the constable's arrest, Craig Williams, a close aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, admitted to placing a £100 ($127) bet on the election date. His bet was made shortly before Sunak had officially announced the date, raising additional concerns over the integrity of the process. Williams has since issued a public apology, describing his actions as a significant lapse in judgment.

This incident has added another layer of difficulty to Sunak's already troubled campaign. His Conservative Party is currently trailing the opposition Labour Party by about 20 points in opinion polls, casting doubt on their prospects in the forthcoming election. The Labour Party has not won an election since 2005, but current polling trends suggest they may be on course for victory.

Further complicating matters, Sunak faced criticism after leaving the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day early to conduct a television interview. This move was perceived as a lack of respect for the occasion and has not sat well with many observers, potentially impacting public perception of his leadership.

In a separate but related development, a campaign ad from Sunak’s Conservative Party added fuel to the fire. The ad claimed, 'If you bet on Labour, you can never win.' This slogan drew immediate backlash and sarcastic remarks, especially in light of the ongoing controversy surrounding the arrested police constable and the prime minister's aide, both involved in betting activities.

As investigations by the Met Police and the Gambling Commission continue, questions about the broader implications of these betting activities remain. The potential breaches of ethical and legal standards are under scrutiny, and the outcomes of these probes could have significant ramifications for those involved and for public trust in the governmental processes.

With the general election date fast approaching, the Sunak administration is under intense pressure to manage these controversies while attempting to rally support against a resurgent Labour Party. The unfolding situation has sparked widespread discussion on the conduct and professional standards of those in positions of trust within the government.