"I know what you want to ask and I will try hard not to answer you, " he told BBC Scotland when quizzed.

BBC: Manager Walter Smith no clearer on Ibrox future

Labour MP Denis MacShane has written to Mr Osborne, warning that "it is likely there will be issues for the Electoral Commission or other authorities to investigate, but I will give you the opportunity to answer the following questions before deciding whether to refer the matter to them".

BBC: PM's Osborne remark 'desperate'

Having now had a couple hours to digest your answer I will close with the last word you so graciously granted me.

FORBES: The Dirtiest Presidential Campaign Ever? Not Even Close!

If you ask me if I like to lose, I will answer that I don't.

CNN: Corinthians on top of the world

But I can tell you that the wrong answer is to pretend like this problem will go away if we maintain an unsustainable status quo.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama: Our Security, Our Values