A new survey after the general election betting scandal this summer has revealed that 76 per cent of British people would support a ban on those who work in politics from betting on politics.
After Craig Williams became the first politician to be dragged into the Gambling Commission’s probe ahead of the July 4 election, a number of other prospective MPs were pulled into the investigation.
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said on the campaign trail in June that he feels there should be “a review of all gambling regulations with respect to politics after this election.”
“We need much greater transparency, much greater clarification, so everyone knows what is possible and what isn't,” he added.
According to the latest survey from OLBG/YouGov, 76 per cent of British people would support a ban on those working in politics from betting on politics.
Sixty per cent believe politicians should be made to disclose their gambling activity and 69 per cent said they would feel more negatively about a politician who placed a bet using inside information.
“While politicians are also private citizens and should enjoy a reasonable amount of privacy, as members of public office they are meant to serve the best interests of the public,” said OLBG CEO Richard Moffat.
“As a result, they are held to a high standard, and if those involved have used insider information for financial gain, even at a token amount, it may have far-reaching consequences,” he added.
The online survey polled 2,273 adults in the UK between August 15-16.
The controversy of Conservative politicians’ betting activity centred on the fact that the bets were placed on the timing of the election – and whether that allowed the use of insider information when the Tories were in power.
The Labour Party, who won a majority in the election and are now in power, also probed one of its politicians, but that bet did not involve insider information.
Separately, the Metropolitan Police ran its own probe into election betting.
