Welsh Parliament Member for Montgomeryshire and Conservative politician, Russell George, is under investigation by the Gambling Commission for a bet he placed on the timing of the general election in Wales. Mr. George is the fifth Conservative to be investigated by the commission for placing a bet on the election’s timing. It is unclear how much Mr. George’s bet was or what its odds were. Despite the investigation, the politician has vowed to cooperate fully.
Mr. George and his colleague, Craig Williams, have been embroiled in an ongoing scandal involving the betting of the timing of the election. The Guardian broke the story concerning both men’s bets earlier this week. Mr. Williams has already acknowledged having made a bet on the election’s timing, but that he had committed “an error in judgment, not an offense.” He remains committed to his election and said he will work with the Gambling Commission to clear his name.
Mr. George’s participation in the betting scandal prompted Labour and Plaid Cymru to call for his suspension from the Conservative Senedd group. Mr. George also temporarily stepped down from the Senedd’s Conservative frontbench while the investigation is ongoing. He stated that he did not wish to be a distraction to the work being carried out by the commission.
Conservative staff members are also being investigated by the Gambling Commission for their involvement in the betting scandal. The Conservatives have withdrawn support for two general election candidates, including Mr. George’s colleague, Craig Williams, who is standing in Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr. If elected, both candidates could become independent if they are found guilty of placing bets on the election’s timing.
In response to the uproar, Welsh Conservative leader in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, has confirmed that he received a letter from the commission regarding bets on the election’s timing. He stated that all other members of the Welsh Conservative group confirmed that they have not placed any bets. The scandal has raised eyebrows among those following the election in Wales, and the investigation is ongoing
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More