Tory cabinet minister Alister Jack has claimed that he won more than £2,000 betting on a July general election, it is understood.

The BBC reported that shortly after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the election date, the Scottish Secretary Alister Jack told the broadcaster he had made £2,100 after betting on June and July election dates

Mr Jack initially claimed one of the bets was placed at odds of 25/1. But last week, Mr Jack told the BBC the comments were “a joke… I was pulling your leg”.

Today, the Scottish Secretary said in an official statement he “did not place any bets on the date of the general election during May”.

Rishi Sunak made his surprise election announcement on May 22.

Mr Jack said: “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.”

Alister 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.