Elin Jones Acts Following Senedd Member’s Betting Allegations

_{Senedd Presiding Officer Elin Jones formally removed Russell George MS from his committee roles. (Image: Alan Evans)}

Russell George, MS, is a serving Conservative member of the Senedd in Wales who is among 15 people charged by the Gambling Commission with betting offences.

Mr George has since been removed from his two paid roles as chairman of the Health Committee and the committee that scrutinises First Minister Eluned Morgan.

Craig Williams, a former Conservative MP, was also on the list of 15 people, which also included a former police officer. The charges were in relation to last summer’s general election, when it was found that a number of people had bet on the date of the election with alleged inside knowledge.

MS Suspended From Party by Leader

George was also suspended from the Welsh Conservatives group by their leader, Darren Millar, forcing George to move to become an Independent MS.

Former Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams and Welsh Conservative director Thomas James were all charged by the Gambling Commission on Monday.

They and 12 others will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in June. If found guilty, George could face a fine or a jail term of up to two years.

Senedd Presiding Officer Wrote to Political Party Managers  

It has been confirmed that the Presiding Officer at the Senedd, Elin Jones, wrote to political party managers on Monday informing them that, following his suspension from the Welsh Conservatives group, George is no longer a member of both committees.

The Gambling Commission confirmed on Monday that the investigation focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information to gain an unfair advantage in the betting market—a criminal offence.

Director of the Welsh Conservatives Thomas James has also been suspended from his paid job.