Craig Williams speaks over betting row as Rishi Sunak has say

Mr Williams has said he will be looking to “regain the trust of residents” after reports of him making a bet on the date of the election while working as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister just three days before it was announced.

Mr Williams reiterated that he had made a “stupid error” and would be working to regain trust during the General Election campaign.

“As I’ve said, I made a stupid error of judgement for which I apologise,” said Mr Williams. “I will be working hard to regain the trust of the people of Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr over the next few weeks. 

“I hope that over the last five years as MP for Montgomeryshire - and before being elected too, that I have demonstrated my love and complete dedication to our area and its residents.

“I look forward to a satisfactory and quick resolution of the routine inquiries currently being undertaken. Whilst that independent process is ongoing, I am unable to comment further at this time.”

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The reports have caused yet another political storm for the Conservative Party leading to Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak being questioned about the matter at the G7 meeting in Italy.

Speaking to broadcasters at the G7 summit in Puglia, the Prime Minister said: “It’s very disappointing news and you will have seen Craig Williams say that it was a huge error of judgment.

“Now, there’s an independent inquiry that is ongoing, which is necessarily confidential, as well as independent. And you’ll appreciate that, given that, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment while that’s ongoing.”

Pressed on whether Mr Williams knew the July 4 date when placing his bet, Mr Sunak said: “Given the nature of the inquiry, which is confidential and independent, it wouldn’t be right for me to comment while that inquiry is ongoing.”

The alleged incident is being investigated by the Gambling Commission who confirmed such a case could potentially lead to a criminal charge.

A spokesperson for the Commission said: ““The Gambling Commission does not typically confirm or deny whether any investigations are underway unless or until they are concluded, or if arrests are made or charges are brought during a criminal investigation. 

“If someone uses confidential information in order to gain an unfair advantage when betting, this may constitute an offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act, which is a criminal offence.”