Scottish Tory leader defends Alister Jack over election bets, one of which won him £100

Speaking after First Minister’s Questions before Holyrood’s summer recess, he also dismissed a question over whether Mr Jack should be awarded a peerage, which is expected to be confirmed after the election.

Mr Jack has admitted placing three bets on the date of the election, making him the first Cabinet minister to be embroiled in the scandal.

But he has denied breaking betting rules, saying the wagers were placed in March and April. Mr Sunak did not announce an election until May 22.

The bet he placed in April was successful. The former Dumfries and Galloway MP wagered £20 at 5-1 that the election would be called between July and September.

Mr Ross said the period in which Mr Jack placed his bets was not being investigated by the Gambling Commission and his actions were not part of the inquiry.

He said the Scottish Secretary had been “very clear he had no prior knowledge”, adding: “Alister has been an outstanding Secretary of State for Scotland and I think people across the country can see the benefit we have had by having such an outstanding individual in that office in the UK Government.”