Conservative MS faces investigation over alleged General Election bets
David Owens
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in the Welsh parliament – the same area that Craig Williams, the Tory candidate who has had party support withdrawn as he faces similar allegations, represented at Westminster.
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.”
In a statement Mr George said: “Whilst I will cooperate 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.”
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There seems to be a Tory politicians’ judgement malaise around elections and betting which, in Wales at least, is peculiar to Sir Drefaldwyn!
So that’s why he was so quick to endorse Craig Williams even after Sunak had “withdrawn support”. He already knew his goose was cooked. You couldn’t make it up!
[Resident of Montgomeryshire]
When I heard this I had a “flutter” on him representing the same constituency as Craig Williams.
I won an extra toasted cheese sandwich for supper.
No insider knowledge just a hunch that they’d be two birds sitting on the same perch.
Apparently there might be a stewards enquiry.
According to the BBC news site –
“Mr George and Mr Williams share a constituency office in Welshpool.”
and
“neither man was aware of the other’s bet.”
What were the odds on that outcome. If I’d bet on them not knowing I’d have won a month’s supply of toasted cheese sandwiches.
Moral Compass, some politicians couldn’t find their way home from the corner shop…
The Fat Shanks Effect found all over the Senedd…
It seems yet another unionist politician is dissatisfied with their funded salary package. I propose our politicians be required to wear one badge showing their de-facto sponsors, and another showing penalty points for dishonesty. Get 12 points, lose your salary, and face re-election. There is a better way for Cymru, and it doesn’t lead to Westminster.