LONDON, June 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Conservative cabinet minister has admitted placing three bets on the date of the general election in the weeks before Rishi Sunak’s surprise announcement.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said that in April he placed a successful bet that the election date would fall between July and September – after losing two similar bets in March.
Jack who is standing down at the election after seven years in Parliament, says he has not breached any rules.
He had originally said he had made £2,100 from one of the bets – but later claimed his comments were “a joke… I was pulling your leg”.
On Tuesday, Jack admitted he had placed a £20 bet at five to one – which would have netted him a return of £120.
He said he had also “put two bets on in March of £5 each for an election to be held in May and June respectively”.
The prime minister made his surprise election announcement on May 22.
Jack said in a statement: “I had no knowledge of the date of the election until the day it was called.
“I placed no bets in May and am not under investigation by the Gambling Commission.”
A spokesperson for the Gambling Commission said: “We are not confirming or denying the identity of any individuals involved in this investigation.” — NNN-AGENCIES
