The Conservatives’ former director of campaigning and his wife have received suspended prison sentences after they admitted to cheating at gambling by placing bets on the date of the 2024 general election.

Anthony Lee used “inside information” emerging from a private meeting called by then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to bet on the general election date months before it took place, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Lee and his wife Laura stood to win more than £23,000 had their cheating not been uncovered, the court heard.

Lee was sentenced to 10 months and two weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, while his wife was sentenced to four months and two weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for a year.