Welsh Tory MS investigated over alleged General Election date bets

PA & Steve Bagnall

26 June 2024 at 5:54 am·2-min read

Russell George, a Conservative member of the Senedd, has stepped back from the Welsh shadow cabinet as he faces an investigation by the gambling watchdog over alleged bets on the timing of the General Election. Mr George represents Montgomeryshire in the Welsh parliament.

It's the same area which was represented at Westminster by Craig Williams, the Tory parliamentary candidate who has had party support withdrawn, as he faces similar allegations. Mr George said he would “co-operate fully” with the probe.

In a statement, Mr George said it was “the Gambling Commission, not the media” that has the responsibility and powers to properly probe the matter, and that he would not be commenting further. Mr George said: “Whilst I will co-operate fully with the Gambling Commission, it would not be appropriate to comment on this independent and confidential process.

“Doing so would only jeopardise and undermine the investigation. It is the Gambling Commission, not the media, that has the responsibility, powers and resources to properly investigate these matters and determine what, if any, action should be taken.

“I have stepped back from the shadow cabinet while the investigation is ongoing. I have done this as I do not wish to be an unnecessary distraction to their work. As such, I will not be providing any further public comment on this until the Gambling Commission has concluded its work.”

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: “Russell George has informed me that he has received a letter from the Gambling Commission regarding bets on the timing of the General Election. Russell George has stepped back from the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet while these investigations are ongoing.

"All other members of the Welsh Conservative Group have confirmed that they have not placed any bets. I will not issue further comment on this ongoing process, recognising the Gambling Commission’s instruction for confidentiality to protect the integrity of the process.”

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