Russell George withdraws candidacy amid charges linked to election betting scandal
A senior Conservative member of the Senedd has announced he will not be seeking re-election following revelations he is among 15 individuals charged in a growing gambling scandal linked to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 general election.
Russell George, the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Montgomeryshire, confirmed he is stepping down as a candidate in next year’s Senedd elections in order to concentrate on defending his reputation. Mr George, who has served in the Welsh Parliament since 2011, is one of several Conservative figures embroiled in the Gambling Commission’s investigation into the misuse of insider information.
The Commission alleges that confidential details about the general election’s announcement — which was made by then-prime minister Rishi Sunak in a surprise move — were used by party insiders to place bets for personal financial gain.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr George said: “I was shocked and surprised to have been informed by the Gambling Commission that I am facing charges for cheating. To be clear, I have never cheated.
“However, given the Gambling Commission’s decision, and my understanding of what will follow, this is likely to be a lengthy process that may not be resolved by May 2026.
“In the circumstances, I feel I have no alternative but to withdraw my candidacy for next year’s Senedd elections so that I can focus on fighting to clear my name.
“I will of course continue to serve the people of Montgomeryshire to the very best of my ability and remain dedicated to representing their interests. I am grateful for the many messages of support that I have received in recent days, particularly from constituents.”
The probe, which commenced in June 2024 during the early stages of the election campaign, centres on what the Commission describes as “individuals suspected of using confidential information – specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date – to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets.”
Mr George’s withdrawal marks the highest-profile resignation to date in what is rapidly becoming a significant political controversy for the Conservative Party.
Other prominent figures charged include Craig Williams, the former MP for Montgomeryshire and a close aide to Rishi Sunak, as well as Nick Mason, previously the party’s chief data officer. Several current Tory staff members who are also facing charges have been suspended “with immediate effect”, according to a party spokesperson.
In light of the charges, Mr George was suspended from the Conservative group in the Senedd by group leader Darren Millar. Mr Millar has said the party takes the allegations seriously and will fully cooperate with the Gambling Commission’s inquiry.
The Conservative Party now faces increasing pressure to address internal governance and accountability mechanisms amid fears the scandal may damage public confidence in the party’s ability to govern ethically.
More Read
While Mr George has not admitted any wrongdoing, his decision to step back from the political spotlight is likely to intensify scrutiny of others who remain in post while under investigation.
The developments have also prompted calls for broader electoral reform and stronger regulatory oversight of political insiders’ financial activities, particularly concerning the use of sensitive government information.
Political analysts suggest that the scandal may have long-term repercussions for the Conservative Party’s standing in Wales, where it has sought to consolidate gains made in recent years.
For now, the Montgomeryshire constituency is expected to be hotly contested in the upcoming election, as both the Conservatives and opposition parties move to reposition themselves amid growing voter disillusionment.
As the investigation continues, the future of other figures implicated in the scandal remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the fallout from the betting controversy has only just begun.
