A former Conservative MP and 14 other individuals are set to go on trial for allegedly cheating by placing bets on the date of the previous year's general election.

Craig Williams, who previously served as the MP for Montgomeryshire and as a senior aide to then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, appeared in court after charges were filed by the Gambling Commission.

Twelve of the defendants indicated that they would plead not guilty, including Russell George, who represents Montgomeryshire in the Welsh Senedd, and Thomas James, the suspended director of the Welsh Conservatives.

Williams, facing charges of cheating at gambling and three counts of enabling or assisting others to cheat, did not reveal his plea. Similarly, Jacob Wilmer, a former government special adviser, and Jeremy Hunt, a former police officer, also did not disclose their intentions.

If convicted, the defendants could potentially receive prison sentences of up to two years.

Williams previously served as parliamentary private secretary to Sunak from October 2022 to June 2024.

All defendants confirmed their names and addresses in court and were granted unconditional bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place at Southwark Crown Court on 11 July.