Oliver Dowden interviewed as part of election day betting investigation
The former deputy prime minister has been interviewed in the investigation into betting on the date of the general election.
Sir Oliver Dowden has become the most senior figure to be interviewed by the gambling watchdog over betting on the date of the general election.
The former deputy prime minister is the latest ally of Rishi Sunak to be questioned by the Gambling Commission.
He follows Ms Sunak's former parliamentary aide Craig Williams and ex-Downing Street chief of staff Liam Booth-Smith.
It is understood that the former prime minister has not yet been interviewed in the probe, which was launched in June.
A source close to Sir Oliver said he is not and was never under investigation himself.
The probe is looking at whether bets were placed on a July election by people with inside knowledge, which would be in breach of gambling rules, ahead of Mr Sunak's shock announcement on May 22.
A source told Sky News: "The general election betting investigation is still ongoing. Hundreds of documents have been seized by the Gambling Commission from CCHQ.
"The Gambling Commission has also employed more ex-police as investigators to take the case forward. It's expected the case will continue for three to six months."
Asked if Mr Sunak has been interviewed, the source added: "I don't believe so. Numerous people have been interviewed, in and out of CCHQ.
"Gambling Commission investigators have made numerous visits to CCHQ. Oliver Dowden was interviewed."
The scandal erupted in June when former Mr Williams, former MP for Montgomeryshire, admitted he was being investigated by the Gambling Commission.
