Gamblegate: Fifth Tory figure investigated as reports claim up to 15 candidates could be implicated

A fifth Conservative Party figure is now being investigated by the Gambling Commission in relation to ‘Gamblegate’ as the BBC reported up to 15 Tories could be implicated in the ongoing scandal.

Russell George, a member of the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd, follows Craig Williams, Laura Saunders, Nick Mason and Tony Lee in being named as part of the investigation into betting on the general election.

George, who represents the same  Montgomeryshire seat in the Senedd as Williams does in Westminster, will also step back as the Welsh Conservatives’ deputy chief whip as a result.

In a statement, George said: “While 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,” he added.

The news comes as BBC’s Newsnight has claimed up to 15 Tory candidates for the general election are being scrutinised by the Gambling Commission.

That report came after Scottish Secretary Alister Jack admitted to placing a bet in April on there being a July general election, but insisted he did so without prior knowledge.

The story came to light after he told a BBC reporter he was “pulling [their] leg” over claims he had made £2,100 from one of the bets.

Jack has since said he lost two bets he placed in March, at £5 per bet, for a general election to take place in May and June. However, he did place a successful bet on the general election falling between July and September.

As per the BBC, Jack said: “I had no knowledge of the date of the election until the day it was called.

“I placed no bets in May and am not under investigation by the Gambling Commission.”

In a similar vein, the Scottish Lib Dems leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton, told ITV Border has had placed elections bets on his party’s candidates but insisted he had not broken the rules.

The Labour Party was also stung by the affair yesterday as the its candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, Kevin Craig, was put under investigation by the regulator.

Labour have since suspended Craig, with the party also returning £100,000 he had donated during Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Craig said: “Throughout my life I have enjoyed the odd bet for fun whether on politics or horses. A few weeks ago, when I thought I would never win this seat, I put a bet on the Tories to win here [Central Suffolk and North Ipswich] with the intention of giving any winnings to local charities.

“While I did not place this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome, this was a huge mistake, for which I apologise unreservedly.”

Speaking on the Today programme this morning, the Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “I don’t know where all of this will lead, it could be that there will be others across different political parties going forward.

“But what I do know, is that in the case of those Conservative candidates, who are being investigated by the Gambling Commission, they have been suspended. They are not supported as Conservative candidates in this election.”

Elsewhere, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed five further officers allegedly placed bets relating to the timing of the general election.

Scotland Yard’s confirmation comes after one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s close security team was arrested, then later released on bail, for betting on when polling day would land.

A police spokesperson said: “We have, however, been passed information from the Gambling Commission alleging that five further officers have placed bets related to the timing of the election.

“The officers are based on the Royalty and Specialist Command, the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command and the Central West Basic Command Unit. None of them work in a close protection role.

“Decisions on whether they will be subject to any restrictions will be taken in due course.”

Who’s who?

Craig Williams – the first Tory candidate to be stung after admitting to having a “flutter” on the date of the general election. The party has withdrawn support, but he will still stand in his constituency.

Laura Saunders – another Tory candidate, standing in Bristol North West, has also had party support withdrawn. She is married to Tony Lee.

Tony Lee – Conservative Party’s director of campaigns. Has taken a leave of absence. He is married to Laura Saunders.

Nick Mason – Conservative Party’s chief data officer. Has also taken a leave of absence.

Russell George – latest Tory caught up in Gamblegate. Welsh parliamentarian who stands in the same constituency as Craig Williams.