Scottish Lib Dem leader placed ‘low-level’ bets on election

The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats said he had placed bets on who would be elected in some constituencies in Scotland at next week’s general election.

Speaking at a campaign event at Edinburgh Zoo, Alex Cole-Hamilton said he had placed some “low-level bets” to “show confidence in my friends”.

He said lots of people who follow politics closely will occasionally have “a flutter”, placing bets on election races across the country.

Mr Cole-Hamilton’s comments came after several Conservative candidates and senior officials were reported to have bet on the date of the 4 July election.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has also admitted placing three bets on the election date in the weeks before Rishi Sunak’s surprise announcement – but said he did not break any rules.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader said: “There’s lots of us who follow politics closely, we’ll occasionally take a flutter but like with the grand national I’ve certainly lost more than I’ve won.

“I have placed bets on this election, just at the very start.

“Small, low-level bets on a couple of races around the country, really just showing confidence in my friends.

“People I know that are working hard and deserve to win but often, at times, as with all of my gambling in the past, it’s with hope rather than expectation.”

All of Mr Cole-Hamilton’s bets were placed to back Lib Dem candidates and not on any other parties.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said Mr Jack’s case was a matter for him but said it was right the gambling commission were looking into the other politicians.

He said that if the Scottish secretary wasn’t aware of “privileged information” then he doesn’t think “there’s a huge case to answer”.

The Gambling Commission is looking at five Conservatives in connection with betting on the date of the general election.

While one Labour MP was also being investigated after betting that he would lose his seat after next week’s vote.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has insisted he is “confident” all his party’s candidates are “behaving appropriately”.

Speaking on an election campaign visit in Edinburgh, Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said the gambling regulations governing politicians and those who work in politics should be reviewed.

Asked about Mr Jack’s election date bets, Mr Hoy said he would not have placed any himself.

He added it was up to Mr Jack to account for his actions.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, campaigning in Inverurie, said he had not placed any bets on the election and was not aware of any party members being investigated by the Gambling Commission or the party.