THE Met Police has ended its investigation into the general election betting scandal, and says it will be taking no action against a Herefordshire Conservative councillor and other Tory Party representatives allegedly involved.

But while no police findings reached the "high bar" of offences of misconduct in a public office, potential breaches under the Gambling Act are still being investigated by the Gambling Commission.

Cllr Nick Mason (Weobly ward), the Conservative Party’s chief data officer nationally, is among those reportedly being investigated over bets on the timing of the general election.

Also being probed are Rishi Sunak’s former parliamentary private secretary Craig Williams, who lost his Montgomeryshire seat in the general election, party candidate Laura Saunders, her husband Tony Lee, the Conservatives’ campaigns director, and Senedd member Russell George, plus seven Metropolitan Police officers.

Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin said: “While our involvement in the criminal investigation now ceases, it’s important that is not misinterpreted as an all clear for those whose cases were looked at.

"There are still Gambling Act offences to consider and it is appropriate that they are taken forward by investigators from the Gambling Commission who have particular expertise in this field.

"Seven police officers who are alleged to have placed bets are still among those being investigated by the Gambling Commission.

"They also remain under investigation by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards."

Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes said it will continue its inquiries into whether confidential information was "used to gain an unfair advantage when betting on the date of the General Election".

The Sunday Times previously reported that Cllr Mason allegedly placed “dozens” of bets on the election date ahead of its formal announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Cllr Mason subsequently took leave of absence from his national party role 11 days before July's election.

A Conservative group spokesperson said at the time of the revelations in June: “We are aware of recent press reports that Nick Mason is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Gambling Commission.

“This is an independent process which must be allowed to run its course and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time”

Newly elected Cllr Mason was named as Herefordshire Council Cabinet support to the council’s leader and deputy leader last May, along with fellow Conservative newcomer Dan Hurcomb.

The then Housing Secretary Michael Gove likened the alleged betting controversy to Partygate, saying it was “just not acceptable” for those in a “privileged position” close to the Prime Minister to use “inside information to make additional money for yourself”.