MID Wales MS Russell George is being investigated by a gambling watchdog over alleged bets over the date of the General Election.
In a statement this evening, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies MS told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “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.”
Montgomeryshire MS, Mr George said in a statement: “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.”
The announcement comes on the same day the Conservative party officially withdrew their support for prospective candidate in Montgomery and Glyndwr, Craig Williams.