In the ongoing saga of Betgate, the Conservative party has officially withdrawn its support for Craig Williams and Laura Saunders, two prospective MPs implicated in the controversy. The announcement was made by a Conservative Party spokesperson earlier today, marking a decisive shift in the party’s stance.

“As a result of ongoing internal enquiries, we have concluded that we can no longer support Craig Williams or Laura Saunders as parliamentary candidates at the forthcoming general election,” the spokesperson stated. “We have checked with the Gambling Commission that this decision does not compromise the investigation that they are conducting, which is rightly independent and ongoing.”

This move comes after weeks of mounting pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take definitive action following the scandal’s revelations. Initially, the Prime Minister had maintained that any intervention on his part could potentially interfere with the Gambling Commission’s ongoing probe. However, today’s decision indicates a change in that position.

The scandal, which has cast a shadow over the party’s integrity, has led to an internal investigation launched by the Conservatives themselves. This internal enquiry aims to complement the independent investigation by the Gambling Commission, ensuring that all aspects of the controversy are thoroughly examined.

With the general election on the horizon, the Conservative Party’s decision to withdraw support from Williams and Saunders is seen as an effort to mitigate further damage and restore public confidence. The outcome of both the internal and independent investigations will be critical in shaping the party’s future strategy and maintaining its electoral viability.

As the story unfolds, the political landscape remains highly dynamic, with further implications for the Conservative Party and its leadership in the coming weeks.