Tory Scottish Secretary Alister Jack claimed he won £2,100 betting on Rishi Sunak's July election but is adamant he didn't break any gambling rules

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack claimed he won £2,100 betting on the date of the election shortly after it was announced by Rishi Sunak. 

The Conservative cabinet minister reportedly told the BBC shortly after the announcement on May 22 that he made £2,100 by betting on election dates in June and July, with one of them placed on odds of 25/1.

But Mr Jack told the broadcaster last week his comments were 'a joke', adding 'I was pulling your leg'.

He today doubled down on his defence, saying he 'did not place any bets on the date of the general election during May'. 

The Tory MP also claimed he had 'never, on any occasion, broken any Gambling Commission rules'. 

Mr Jack said in a statement: 'I am very clear that I have never, on any occasion, broken any Gambling Commission rules', said Mr Jack.

'I did not place any bets on the date of the general election during May - the period under investigation by the Gambling Commission.

'Furthermore, I am not aware of any family or friends placing bets. I have nothing more to say on this matter.' 

A spokesperson for the Gambling Commission said: 'We are not confirming or denying the identity of any individuals involved in this investigation.'

The BBC also claimed Mr Jack had been 'telling colleagues and journalists for at least a year that he thought a June or July election made the most strategic sense for his party'.