Oliver Dowden has spoken to the Gambling Commission’s election date betting probe, it has been revealed.

The former deputy PM is thought to be the most senior figure interviewed as part of the inquiry – although he is not suspected of any wrongdoing.

After Sky News reported the contact this afternoon, one friend of Sir Oliver told MailOnline: ‘Lots of people were asked to help the commission and did so months ago. 

‘Curious timing for this to come out when Labour in such a mess over free clothes.’ 

Allegations about gambling on the election engulfed the Conservative campaign in June after it emerged senior Tory officials and one of Rishi Sunak‘s aides had placed bets shortly before the date was announced.

The Gambling Commission launched an investigation into whether this broke laws on ‘cheating’ while the Met opened a separate inquiry into whether other offences had been committed.

One officer, believed to be part of Mr Sunak’s close protection team, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of the investigation while a total of seven officers were alleged to have placed bets.

Last month the force announced its criminal investigation had concluded with no action being taken, including against the officer who had been arrested.

The gambling scandal was triggered by revelations Mr Sunak’s former parliamentary private secretary Craig Williams admitted having a ‘flutter’ on the election date shortly before it was announced.

The Conservatives eventually withdrew support for Mr Williams as their candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, along with Bristol North West candidate Laura Saunders, who was also alleged to have placed a bet.

Ms Saunders’ husband, Tony Lee, the Conservative Party’s director of campaigning, and Tory chief data officer Nick Mason took leaves of absence during the campaign after being implicated in the scandal, while Senedd member Russell George stepped back from the shadow cabinet in the Welsh Parliament after being placed under investigation.

The gambling scandal was triggered by revelations Mr Sunak’s former parliamentary private secretary Craig Williams admitted having a ‘flutter’ on the election date shortly before it was announced