Craig Williams faces two-year wait for betting offences trial

A former Conservative MP faces a wait of more than two years for trial after being charged with betting offences, a court has heard.

Craig Williams, 40, who was previously the Tory MP for both Montgomeryshire and Cardiff North, appeared at London’s Southwark Crown Court on Friday after an investigation into alleged bets on the date of the 2024 election, but did not indicate a plea.

Mr Williams, of Llanfair Caereinion in Welshpool, Powys, was also parliamentary private secretary to Rishi Sunak during his time as prime minister.

He and his 14 co-defendants could face up to two years in prison for the offences if they are convicted.

Mr Williams was first elected as the MP for Cardiff North…