WELSH CONSERVATIVE Member of the Senedd, Russell George, has been suspended from the party’s group in Cardiff Bay after being charged with gambling-related offences.

In a statement issued on Monday morning (Apr 14), the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, said: “Having been informed that Russell George MS has been charged with gambling related offences, I have taken the decision to suspend him from the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd.

“The suspension is a neutral act pending the outcome of the justice process.

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

Mr George, who has represented Montgomeryshire in the Senedd since 2011, previously stepped back from the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet in 2024 after it emerged he was under investigation by the Gambling Commission over alleged bets on the timing of the next UK General Election.

At the time, Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies confirmed that Mr George had received a letter from the Gambling Commission and said: “Russell George has stepped back from the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet while these investigations are ongoing.

“All other members of the Welsh Conservative Group have confirmed that they have not placed any bets.”

Mr George also issued a public statement in 2024, saying: “Whilst I will cooperate fully with the Gambling Commission, it would not be appropriate to comment on this independent and confidential process.

“I have stepped back from the Shadow Cabinet while the investigation is ongoing. I have done this as I do not wish to be an unnecessary distraction to their work.”

The latest development marks a significant escalation, with the Gambling Commission’s investigation apparently resulting in formal charges.

No further details of the specific charges have yet been released, and it is not known when Mr George is due to appear in court.

Mr George’s constituency, Montgomeryshire, has also been in the spotlight recently after Craig Williams—formerly the area’s MP—was himself investigated for placing bets on the date of the General Election. Mr Williams had the Conservative whip withdrawn in Westminster as a result.

The Herald will provide updates as the case develops.

Local accountant Jim Cornock, who is a partner with  the Ashmole & Co accountancy firm, is clocking up the miles this month in readiness for his toughest running challenge to date when he runs the London Marathon to raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care. 

The marathon comes hot on the heels of last week’s Newport marathon which he completed as part of his training, and the Marathon Eryri which he ran last autumn.

Jim is no stranger to  running but is more familiar with the half marathon distance rather than a full marathon. He has agreed to take on London’s  26.2 mile challenge for the first time on Sunday, April 27, to help raise funds for Ashmole &  Co’s chosen charity for this year.  But it also has a special meaning for him personally.

Jim said, “Tenovus Cancer Care provides so much support for people with cancer. This one is personal for me as my mum passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of just 61. I have no doubt there were times when she wanted to just turn around and go home but like thousands of others facing a cancer diagnosis, she couldn’t. That is what keeps me going during my training runs. I felt like turning back lots of times recently when I was  out on my longest runs,but I kept remembering why I’m doing this.”

Jim has worked for Ashmole & Co for the past 31 years and became a partner in the Ammanford office in 2004. He currently works out of the Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llandovery offices. 

Married to Pamela, the couple have  two children Rosie and Owen, and Owen will be running the London Marathon alongside his dad for support, although Jim suspects his son might well leave him behind when the going gets tough.

“Taking part in the London Marathon will bring to a close Ashmole & Co’s 12 months of fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care,” added Jim, “ and  I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during my endless training during this time. It means a lot.”

Tenovus Cancer Care are a Wales-based charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer. 

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Jim’s London Marathon  can do so on the Justgiving link.

A CARMARTHENSHIRE business has this week been announced as a finalist for the Wales Business Awards 2025 by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid.

Businesses of all sizes and from all sectors across Wales entered to be in with a chance of winning a prestigious accolade, with 50 companies named as finalists across 12 categories.

Whitland-based consultancy Landsker Business Solutions has secured a spot on the shortlist for Professional Services Firm of the Year.

The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne and sponsored by Bevan Buckland LLP, on 12 June at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. One finalist will also be awarded ‘Wales Business of the Year’ during the ceremony.

Gus Williams, interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “The Wales Business Awards are an exciting showcase for the successes and achievements of the very best of Welsh business. We were thrilled to have received hundreds of fantastic entries this year, highlighting the innovation, creativity and ambitions of companies across the country.

“We are looking forward to celebrating our incredible finalists at our ceremony in June, together with members of the Welsh business community, distinguished dignitaries and ministers including Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP.”