Political Betting Odds Round Up

John Reid's tenure as Home Secretary has killed betting support for him to become the next Leader of the Labour Party, say bookmakers William Hill, who have now lengthened his odds from 5/1 to 8/1, and shortened thoise of favourite Gordon Brown from 1/9 to 1/12.

The only other serious betting contender is 12/1 third favourite David Miliband.

"We have not taken a three figure bet for John Reid to become Leader, in several weeks. He no longer seems to be regarded as fit for purpose as a leader-in-waiting, according to our political clients" said William Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe. "Gordon Brown looks even more of a certainty than before and is now the shortest odds he has ever been to succeed Tony Blair."

Meawhile, the bookies are offering odds of 6/4 that Reid will still be Home Secretary on January 1, 2008 and 1/ 2 that he will not.

William Hill offer odds of 12/1 that Tony Blair will be arrested during 2007 and 25/1 that he will be officially charged with an offence.

A William Hill customer has staked £3000 on 25/1 outsider Al Gore to win the forthcoming US Presidential Election in a Birmingham betting shop. The bookmakers have cut Gore's odds to 14/1 to win the Election, for which Hillary Clinton is currently 11/8 favourite with John McCain at 5/1; John Edwards 11/2 and Barack Obama down from 9/1 to 7/1.

"Even though the Election is still some way off, betting interest is really beginning to build up. The Gore punter will win £75,000 if he is right" said William Hill's spokesman. "One of our clients staked £250 on Hillary Clinton at 16/1 several years ago and is hoping for a £16,000 windfall."

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When Will Tony Blair Go?

William Hill believe Tony Blair wil cease to be Prime Minister in May and make him 11/10 to stand down in that month.

They also make July 4/1 second favourite and also offer 5/1 April; June; 10/1 March; 14/1 August; 20/1 September; 25/1 February; 33/1 October; 66/1 January or 50/1 for any other month.

"May had been the odds-on favourite at 4/7 for some while, but rumours are persisting that he intends to stay longer than that and we have seen plenty of support for June, down from 14/1 and July, down from 25/1." said William Hill's spokesman.