The Conservative Party has withdrawn support for two parliamentary candidates, Craig Williams in Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, and Laura Saunders in Bristol North West, amid allegations that they bet on the date of the upcoming general election. Both candidates are currently under investigation by the UK Gambling Commission.
Although Williams and Saunders will remain on the ballot under the Conservative banner for the election, this withdrawal of support means that, if elected, they will serve as independents pending the outcome of the investigation. The party made this decision following internal inquiries, concluding that it could no longer back the candidates.
Craig Williams, who has issued an apology, admitted to a “huge error of judgment.” However, he declined to confirm whether he placed bets based on insider information when questioned by the BBC. A spokesperson for Laura Saunders stated that she will cooperate fully with the Gambling Commission but had no further comments.
A Conservative Party spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating: “As a result of ongoing internal enquiries, we have concluded that we can no longer support Craig Williams or Laura Saunders as parliamentary candidates at the forthcoming general election. We have checked with the Gambling Commission that this decision does not compromise the investigation that they are conducting, which is rightly independent and ongoing.”
The investigation into the candidates follows urgent discussions by the party board on how to address the allegations. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed his “incredibly angry” reaction to the accusations.
Additionally, two Conservative staff members have taken leaves of absence after it emerged that they, too, are being investigated by the Gambling Commission in relation to the scandal.
The ongoing inquiry by the Gambling Commission will determine whether any laws or regulations were breached regarding betting practices and insider information. The Conservative Party has indicated its full cooperation with the independent investigation as it unfolds.
