Summary
A fifth Conservative is being looked into by the Gambling Commission over a bet about the timing of the election
Russell George, who is a member of the Welsh Parliament, has "stepped back" from his party's shadow cabinet and says he will "co-operate fully"
Two Conservative candidates have already been suspended from the party and two party staff members are on leaves of absences
The gambling watchdog is also looking into several Met Police officers
Earlier, Labour suspended candidate Kevin Craig after he bet on the Tories to win his seat in the election
Craig says it was a "stupid error of judgement" and he placed the bet as he thought he would "never win" in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. Find the full list of candidates in the constituency here
Elsewhere, Tory cabinet minister Alister Jack claimed he won more than £2,000 betting on a July election, but says he didn't break gambling rules
Live Reporting
Edited by Emily Atkinson
With nine days to go until the election, another day of campaigning draws to a closepublished at 22:58 25 June
22:58 25 June
Emily Atkinson
Live reporterThat's it from us for another day. We'll be back bright and early tomorrow morning to take you through the twists and turns of whatever the day holds.
And don't forget - tomorrow night, the BBC will host the final Sunak-Starmer showdown before polling day, so set a reminder join us (20:15 BST start, popcorn non-negotiable).
If you're wanting more before then, there's still plenty on offer across the BBC:
- Catch up with our round up of the day here
- Listen to the latest episode of BBC Newscast podcast here
- Subscribe to our Election Essentials newsletter for key analysis every weekday here
- Stream the latest news on the election on iPlayer here
- Get involved by telling us which issues matter to you - and what you want us to explain - here
- Read up on the dos and don'ts for polling day - we've pulled together everything you need to know here
Bets, arrests and state visits - a look back at another day's campaigningpublished at 22:36 25 June
22:36 25 June
Making headlines again today were revelations around and investigations into alleged bets. (You can get up to date on all the new developments here - and read analysis from our political editor Chris Mason here.)
But that's not all that's been happening. Here's look at what's been happening on the wider campaign trail:
- Four people were arrested on suspicion of trespassing on the grounds of Rishi Sunak's constituency home, with the PM thanking the police for taking "swift" action
- Elsewhere, Conservative Health Secretary Victoria Atkins accused Labour of planning to introduce self-identification for transgender people "by the back door"
- Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer denied this, and said the debate around gender needs to be conducted "with the respect it deserves"
- Starmer also said it's "not right" that state schools are having to use supply teachers for core subjects like maths, while discussing his party's policy to charge VAT on private school fees
- Meanwhile, SNP Deputy First Minister KateForbes said Scotland could become a "green energy powerhouse" while campaigningat a wind farm in East Lothian
- Sunak steppedaway from campaigning today to greet the Emperor and Empress of Japan,who are visiting London on a state visit
- Sunak, Starmer and Ed Davey also joined the Japanese and British royal families at a state banquetat Buckingham Palace this evening
Five key things to know about the BBC's Prime Ministerial debatepublished at 22:15 25 June
22:15 25 June
Image source, PA MediaWith just nine days to go until the election, the BBC is tomorrow hosting the final head-to-head debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer before polling day.
Where's it all happening? The debate is being held in Nottingham in front of a studio audience.
Who's hosting? Mishal Husain - she also chaired the BBC's seven-way debate earlier in the campaign.
What time does it start? 20:15 BST on Wednesday.
Where can you watch it? It will be broadcast on BBC Oneand BBC iPlayer. A signed version will also be available on the BBC News Channel.
What comes after that? From 21:30 BST, Laura Kuenssberg and Clive Myrie, the hosts of the BBC’s election night coverage, will present reaction and analysis live from the debate venue.
And, as always, we will be covering all it all live on this page.
Sunak thanks police for 'swift' response after arrests at his homepublished at 21:51 25 June
21:51 25 June
We've just received a short statement from No 10 after four people were arrested on suspicion of trespassing in the grounds of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's constituency home in North Yorkshire:
A No 10 spokesperson says: "The Prime Minister thanks the police for their swift response to keep him and his family safe.
"As this is a live police investigation, further queries should be direct to the relevant police force."
- Read our full story here.
Young voters want more funding for mental health servicespublished at 21:37 25 June
21:37 25 June
Jordan Kenny
BBC Newsbeat politics reporter, in LondonderrySince BBC Newsbeat sent me to my first checkpoint for our RaceAcross the UK election coverage, young voters have been telling me they’redisillusioned with politics - and it’s no different in Londonderry.
"I don’t really do politics – I’m not interested in that," says Aisling, before adding: "But I’ll still vote."
She’s out with Christopher and they both agree that mentalhealth is an issue in Derry and they’d like improving that to be a priority forpoliticians.
"Our city struggles with that a lot," says Christopher.
Aisling adds: "There definitely needs to be more services inDerry for people suffering with addiction. It’s rife at the moment."
Cost of living an issue for young voters in Londonderrypublished at 21:28 25 June
21:28 25 June
Jordan Kenny
BBC Newsbeat politics reporter, in LondonderryBack now to our colleagues at BBC Newsbeat, who continued their general election Race Across the UK today in Londonderry.
A central issue for prospective voters I’ve spoken to forthis general election is the cost of living, and earlier in Londonderry I metTyler Norton and Kevin Johnson.
"Rent’s going up a lot and people are starting to getroommates now instead of trying to go out on their own," says Tyler.
While Kevin’s been able to get his own place, he says eventhough minimum wage has gone up, "it’s a lot more difficult to keep on top ofrent and grocers and still have enough spending money".
But he tells me it’s a different story for friends andfamily south of the border in the Republic of Ireland.
"My cousin’s 16 and she’s able to get a job but it took meuntil I was 18 to get a proper job," he says.
"There’s a lack of opportunities for young people here."
After a busy few hours covering election betting, let's return to the campaign trailpublished at 21:27 25 June
21:27 25 June
Emily Atkinson
Live reporterWe've had a run of breaking news this evening, with several updates on election betting - you can get up to speed in our recap below.
Just before it was revealed that Labour had suspended its candidate Kevin Craig - after he bet on the Tories to win his seat in the election - we were highlighting the work of our BBC Newsbeat colleagues, who have been out and about speaking to young voters in Londonderry.
We'll return to those interviews now, before taking a look at what else has been happening on the campaign trail.
Just joining us? Here's a look at the key linespublished at 20:53 25 June
20:53 25 June
A lot has happened over the past few hours.
If you're just joining us, or need a recap, here's a short guide to all the key developments:
- Moments ago, Conservative Russell George, member of the Welsh Parliament, announced he was stepping back from his party's shadow cabinet while being looked into by the Gambling Commission over a bet he placed on the timing of the election
- Just before that, Conservative cabinet minister Alister Jack denied breaking gambling rules after telling the BBC he’d won £2,100 by betting on June and July electiondates
- Elsewhere, Labour suspended its candidate Kevin Craigafter learning the Gambling Commission had launched an investigation intohim after he bet on the Tories to win his seat in the election
- Also this afternoon, the Met Police said five more police officers were being looked into by the Gambling Commission over bets placed on thetiming of the election. This came after one of the PM's close protectionofficers was arrested
- And this morning, the Conservative Party withdrew support from candidates Craig Williams and Laura Saunders who are being looked into for allegedly betting on the timing of the election
Tory Welsh Parliament member facing gambling investigationpublished at 20:10 25 June
20:10 25 JuneBreaking
Chris Mason
Political editorAnother Conservative – this time a member of the Welsh Parliament – is being investigated by the Gambling Commission over a bet aboutthe timing of the general election.
Russell George, who is the Senedd member forMontgomeryshire, has tonight said he will “cooperate fully” with the bettingregulator.
In a statement, he added: “I have stepped back from the shadow cabinet while the investigation is ongoing. I have done this as I do notwish to be an unnecessary distraction to their work.”
George is the fifth Conservative figure to be publiclyrevealed as facing inquiries by the Gambling Commission.
Craig Williams, the first Tory to admit he had placed a beton the timing of the election and a parliamentary aide to the prime minister,is also from Montgomeryshire.
The BBC understands George’s bet, placed online for aJuly election, was placed over a week before the election was called andneither man was aware of the other’s bet.
It is not known how much Russell George bet or what the oddswere.
TheLeader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, said “all other members ofthe Welsh Conservative Group have confirmed that they have not placed anybets.”
Four people arrested in grounds of Sunak's constituency homepublished at 19:28 25 June
19:28 25 JuneBreaking
A bit more breaking news for you now - four men have been arrested on suspicion of trespassing in the grounds of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's constituency home.
North Yorkshire Police said it had arrested the men "within one minute of them entering the grounds" of his North Yorkshire home.
The four were detained at around 12.40 BST, before being escorted off the property, officers said.
The men, aged 52 from London, 43 from Bolton, 21 from Manchester, and 20 from Chichester, remained in police custody for questioning and inquiries were ongoing, the force added.
Read our full story here.
Cabinet minister claimed he won £2,000 on election betspublished at 19:03 25 June
19:03 25 JuneBreaking
Joe Pike
Political investigations correspondentImage source, EPAA Conservative cabinet minister claimed that he won more than £2,000 betting on a July general election.
Shortly after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the election date, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack told the BBC he had made £2,100 after betting on June and July election dates. He claimed one of the bets was placed at odds of 25/1.
Last week, Jack told the BBC the comments were “a joke… I was pulling your leg”.
Today, the Scottish Secretary said in a statement he “did not place any bets on the date of the general election during May”.
Rishi Sunak made his surprise election announcement on 22 May.
“I am very clear that I have never, on any occasion, broken any Gambling Commission rules”, said Jack.
“I did not place any bets on the date of the general election during May - the period under investigation by the Gambling Commission.
“Furthermore, I am not aware of any family or friends placing bets. I have nothing more to say on this matter.”
Read more in our full story here.
What we know about suspended Labour candidatepublished at 18:48 25 June
18:48 25 June
Image source, X/Kevin CraigThe alleged betting scandal took a new twist this afternoon, after it emerged the Gambling Commission is investigating another candidate - this time from the Labour Party.
Who is it? Kevin Craig is the Labour candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich (a full list of candidates is here).
What happened? On Tuesday afternoon, Labour announced it had suspended Craig after learning the Gambling Commission had launched an investigation into him.
What did Craig allegedly do? In a statement, Craig admitted that he put a bet that the Tories would win in his seat. He says he would have given any winnings to local charities. He acknowledges it was a "huge mistake" and is "deeply sorry" - but says he placed the bet with no prior knowledge of the outcome.
What has Labour said? The party said it acted "immediately" as it "upholds the highest standards" of candidates.
What's the context? Craig is the third candidate being looked into by the gambling watchdog. The other two are Conservative candidates and were suspended earlier today. Several Met Police officers are also being looked into.
Suspended Labour candidate 'deeply regrets' betting on Tories to win seatpublished at 18:27 25 June
18:27 25 JuneBreaking
The suspended Labour candidate Kevin Craig, who lost the support of the party after it learned the Gambling Commission is investigating him over election betting, has just released a statement on X saying, external he "deeply regrets" his actions.
"Throughout my life I have enjoyed the odd bet for fun whether on politics or horses," he says.
"A few weeks ago when I thought I would never win this seat I put a bet on the Tories to win here with the intention of giving any winnings to local charities.
"While I did not place this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome, this was a huge mistake, for which I apologise unreservedly."
He adds: "I deeply regret what I have done and will take the consequences of this stupid error of judgement on the chin.I am deeply sorry to the many dedicated and loyal local Labour Party volunteers who have been supporting my campaign.I will comply fully with the investigation."
This shows it's not a uniquely Conservative headachepublished at 18:21 25 June
18:21 25 June
Chris Mason
Political editorForthe Conservatives in particular, this has now entered the territory of arolling political nightmare - allegations that are simultaneously as easy tounderstand as they are difficult to defend.
And, to make politically bleakmatters black for the Tories, a horror show of daily developments andrevelations, garnished by criticisms within the party and beyond (some public,many more in private) arguing Rishi Sunak could have acted faster.
Tonight’s news that a Labour candidate and donor has been suspended too highlights thatthis isn’t a uniquely Conservative headache. Labour though are seeking to arguetheir immediate reaction contrasts with a claimed Tory tardiness.
Most peoplemost of the time miss most of what is going on in politics. And yet right nowwe are in that narrowest of windows; where ballot papers sit on kitchen tablesawaiting the next post, where church and school halls await that designationpolling station.
This is the time for decision, where millions might just bereceptive to the closing messages of the parties - if they can hear them - andthe big issues that swirl in the campaign.
And there is one big issue – thisbetting saga – that dominates the national news coverage at least, with everyprospect there are further revelations to come.
And for a party that’s been ingovernment for 14 years, began this campaign on the back foot and has - if thepolls are to be believed - struggled to step forward in the last five weeks,the Conservatives approach this final week in a situation that is unenviable,to put it gently.
Is it too late for Labour to change candidate?published at 18:11 25 June
18:11 25 June
Hannah Miller
Political correspondentThe suspension means Kevin Craig is neither a party member nor the party’s candidate, pending an investigation.
His name will still appear on the ballot paper next to the Labour Party as the deadline to make changes has passed.
Labour will return donations made by suspended candidate, BBC understandspublished at 17:46 25 June
17:46 25 June
Joe Pike
Political investigations correspondentThe BBC understands the Labour Party will return the £100,000 in donations that Kevin Craig has made during Keir Starmer's leadership.
Labour notified about investigation this afternoonpublished at 17:36 25 June
17:36 25 June
Hannah Miller
Political correspondentAs we just reported, Labour has suspended candidate Kevin Craig after the Gambling Commission launched aninvestigation, meaning he is no longer a party member nor a candidate.
Craig is standing in the Central Suffolk andNorth Ipswich constituency, where the Conservative Party has an effective majority of just over20,000 and where Labour came second in 2019.
The BBC has been told that the Labour Party was notified about theinvestigation this afternoon.
Suspended Labour candidate bet on election result in his seat, BBC understandspublished at 17:24 25 June
17:24 25 JuneBreaking
Iain Watson
Political correspondentLabour says as soon as they were told by the Gambling Commission they moved quickly to suspend Kevin Craig.
TheBBC understands that Craig is not being investigated by theGambling Commission for betting on the date of the general election.
Instead,he is suspected of betting on the election resultin the Suffolk seat.
Labour says it acted 'immediately' to suspend candidatepublished at 17:17 25 June
17:17 25 June
Image source, X/Kevin CraigMore now from that Labour statement on the suspension of candidate Kevin Craig.
A Labour Party spokeswoman says: "With Keir Starmer as leader, the Labour Party upholds the highest standards for our parliamentary candidates, as the public rightly expects from any party hoping to serve, which is why we have acted immediately in this case."
She says the party suspended him after the Gambling Commission launched its investigation.
As we mentioned in our last post, Craig is the Labour candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. On his campaign website he describes himself as a businessman who previously served as a Labour councillor for 17 years.
Labour suspends candidate being looked into by Gambling Commissionpublished at 17:08 25 June
17:08 25 JuneBreaking
We've just had some breaking news.
Labour has suspended parliamentary candidate Kevin Craig after being told the Gambling Commission has launched an investigation into him, a party spokeswoman says.
Craig is the Labour candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. You can find a full list of candidates standing in the constituency on our website here.
We'll bring you more on this shortly.
