London, UK – The Conservative party has withdrawn support from two candidates who are currently under investigation for allegedly betting on the date of the general election. Both Craig Williams, the candidate in Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, and Laura Saunders, the candidate in Bristol North West, are being examined by the Gambling Commission.

While both candidates will still appear on the ballot under the Conservative party banners, the decision to withdraw support means that they will run as independent candidates if elected, pending the outcome of the investigation. When questioned by the media, Williams refused to disclose whether he had placed a bet based on inside information.

A spokesperson for Saunders stated that she will cooperate with the Gambling Commission during the investigation. The Conservative Party spokesman announced that, following internal inquiries, they have decided to no longer support Williams or Saunders as parliamentary candidates for the upcoming general election.

Opposition leaders, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper, have criticized the delay in withdrawing support from the candidates. Starmer questioned why the decision was not made sooner, while Cooper expressed disappointment in the delay by party officials.

Reportedly, the party board held urgent discussions on how to address the situation, and two members of Conservative staff have taken leaves of absence after being investigated by the Gambling Commission. Furthermore, there are considerations by the Gambling Commission regarding the involvement of more police officers in the investigation.

The Metropolitan Police has denied allegations of leaking the names of individuals being investigated for alleged bets on the election date. The situation continues to develop as the investigation unfolds.