Dismay as UK gambling reform white paper shelved for fourth time

The bill’s delay is a blow to those pushing for tougher reforms. Photograph: Maddie Red Photography/Alamy

Proposals to reform gambling laws have been postponed for a fourth time amid turmoil at top of the Conservative party, sparking outrage from campaigners who warned the delay would cost lives.

Advisers to Boris Johnson concluded that a white paper, which was scheduled to go ahead next week, could not be published until a new leader of the Conservative party was elected to replace him as prime minister.