Tory minister says MP who made election betting ‘joke’ has dry sense of humour

Tory minister Mel Stride has defended cabinet colleague Alister Jack, who has said he put three wagers on the timing of the 4 July general election.

Speaking to LBC, he claimed Mr Jack “has a very dry sense of humour” when Nick Ferrari questioned the idea that he was “pulling the leg” when he told a reporter he won more than £2,000.

“I don’t know the context in which those comments were made and context does matter,” Mr Stride said.

“The important thing with Alister is that he has made it very clear no rules have been broken.”