Ex-Tory campaign chief and his wife are spared jail after betting on the election date using 'inside information'

Anthony Lee, 49, the Conservatives' former director of campaigning, learned of the July 4 date at a private meeting called by Rishi Sunak. He passed the tip to his wife Laura, a parliamentary candidate, and the couple bet more than £2,000. They stood to win over £23,000. At Southwark Crown Court, Lee received 10 months and two weeks, suspended, and Laura four months and two weeks, suspended.

Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC said Lee 'abused' inside information to make a profit.

Former Sunak aide Craig Williams has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced later.