FORMER Tory MP Craig Williams was among 15 people charged today in connection to bets placed on the timing of the general election last May.

Russell George, the Tory Senedd member for Montgomeryshire, and Nick Mason, a former chief data officer for the party, are also facing charges.

Welsh Conservatives leader Darren Millar said he had suspended Mr George from the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd.

“The suspension is a neutral act pending the outcome of the justice process,” he said.

The Gambling Commission began its investigation in June, focusing on “individuals suspected of using confidential information — specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date — to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets.”

Laura Saunders, a Tory candidate for Bristol North West, and former Conservative party chief marketing officer Simon Chatfield, were also among those charged with offences under the Gambling Act 2005. 

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 13.

Labour Party chairwoman Ellie Reeves said: “This is a very serious development.

“The British people will expect that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing faces the full force of the law.

“[Conservative leader] Kemi Badenoch must make crystal clear that anyone found guilty of using insider information to cheat the system to try to enrich themselves has no place in the Conservative Party. No ifs, no buts.”

A Tory Party spokesman said: “Current members of staff who have been charged are being suspended with immediate effect.

“Our party is now under new leadership and we are co-operating fully with the Gambling Commission to ensure that their investigation can conclude swiftly and transparently.”