Herefordshire’s ruling Conservative group has confirmed that one of their councillors, Nick Mason, is stepping away from the group following a charge against him of illegal political betting.

Coun Mason, who represents Weobley ward in the county, was previously also the party’s chief data officer nationally.

The Gambling Commission said yesterday (April 14) it was charging him along with 14 others, “following an investigation into alleged cheating related to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 General Election”.

It said its investigation “focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information – specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date – to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets”, a criminal offence.

Spokesman for the minority ruling Conservative group on Herefordshire Council Coun Dan Hurcomb said Coun Mason contacted him yesterday (Monday) morning “to confirm that he will be voluntarily suspending his membership of the Conservative group on Herefordshire Council whilst formal legal proceedings are ongoing”.

“Nick remains a Councillor and will continue to serve his residents as an independent,” Cllr Hurcomb said, adding that Cllr Mason “has also confirmed that he has resigned his position as Cabinet Support with immediate effect”.

All 15 suspects are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 13.

Former Conservative MP Craig Williams is also among those charged by the Gambling Commission for alleged cheating connected to bets based on the date of the 2024 UK general election.

Williams was the MP for Montgomeryshire and Rishi Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary, but lost the support of the Conservative party after a story broke about alleged bets placed on a July election just days before the date was announced.

Among others charged was Russell George, a Tory Senedd member who represents the same area as Williams did.

The Gambling Commission said it cannot provide further details on ongoing criminal cases.