Tory candidate cooperating with betting watchdog

A Conservative candidate alleged to have bet on the timing of the general election has confirmed she is cooperating with the Gambling Commission.

Laura Saunders, the party’s candidate in Bristol North West, says she is also considering legal action against the BBC, which first revealed the betting regulator was looking into her.

It is not known when the bet was placed or for how much money.

Ms Saunders' husband, the Conservative Party’s director of campaigning Tony Lee is also being looked into by the betting watchdog over an alleged bet relating to the timing of the 4 July election.

A statement released via solicitors said: "Ms Saunders will be co-operating with the Gambling Commission and has nothing further to add.

"It is inappropriate to conduct any investigation of this kind via the media, and doing so risks jeopardising the work of the Gambling Commission and the integrity of its investigation.

"The publication of the BBC's story is premature and is a clear infringement of Ms Saunders' privacy rights.

"She is considering legal action against the BBC and any other publishers who infringe her privacy rights."