As part of an inquiry investigating wagers on the general election date, a police officer who was part of Rishi Sunak's protection squad has been taken into custody.

The Gambling Commission reportedly notified the Metropolitan Police last Friday, according to the BBC.

The force was informed that its royalty and specialty protection command was looking into claims made by one of its police constables.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “We can confirm that on Friday June 14 the Met was contacted by the Gambling Commission. The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties.

“The officer was subsequently arrested on Monday June 17 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken into custody and bailed pending further enquiries. The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“The Gambling Commission continues to lead the investigation into the alleged betting offences, and our investigation is running in parallel to that.

‘Answers are needed’

It comes after Craig Williams, a a senior aide of the Prime Minister, reportedly bet £100 on the date of the election just before it was called.

Mr Williams bet on the election being held in July three days before the announcement was made, according to The Guardian. Mr Sunak’s decision to hold a summer rather than autumn election surprised the nation.

The reporting has not been disputed by Mr Williams, who admitted that he had a “flutter” on the election a few weeks ago. He has since apologised for a “huge error of judgment”.

The Gambling Commission is understood to have sent Mr Sunak a letter about an inquiry into the “flutter”.

Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Rishi Sunak must call a Cabinet Office inquiry into what is shaping up to be yet another scandal at the heart of government.

“This stinks of yet more sleaze and answers are needed. An inquiry is needed to understand who knew what and when.”