The Welsh politician, among the 15 people charged after being bet on the timing of the 2024 general election, is to quit in the next Senate election.
Russell George, a conservative member of Montgomeryshire, said he has withdrawn his candidacy to take the election next year to focus on clearing his name.
The senator was one of many people associated with the Conservative Party who were reportedly placed a bet on Election Day, called by then Minister Rishi Snack.
Darren Miller, a conservative leader of the Senate, retracted the whip from George last week after the Gambling Committee announced the charges. This means that he is currently independent within the Welsh Parliament.
George, 50, said in a statement Tuesday:
“To be clear, I have never cheated, but given the decision of the Gambling Committee and my understanding of what will continue, this could be a long process that may not be resolved by May 2026.
“In this situation, I feel there is no alternative but to withdraw my Senate run next year so I can focus on fighting to clear my name.
“Of course I will continue to serve the people of Montgomeryshire at the best of my abilities.
“I am grateful for the many messages of support I have received recently, especially from constituents.”
Among the charges facing is former Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams. Nick Mason, former chief data officer of the party. Laura Sanders was a conservative candidate in northwestern Bristol last July. and Tony Lee, the Conservative Campaign Director, married to Sanders.
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The current Tory staff, facing charges, are “suspended with immediate effect,” the party said last week.
The survey focused on “individuals suspected of using sensitive information (particularly advances in proposed election day knowledge) to gain unfair benefits in the betting market,” which began when the election campaign took place in June 2024.
The 15-person claim will be published in Westminster Magistrates Court on June 13th.
