Political betting forecast
12th November, 2008
These days we are made aware of the fact that we are living through a recession. If we are not subjected to news of crashing markets, then we are forced to listen to Labour and the Conservatives battling it out for popularity, both convinced that they can do a better job than the other. With so much uncertainty over the political future of Britain, let's see what the bookies make of all this political talk:
Who will win the most seats in the next General Election? (888sport)
- Conservatives have the strongest odds: 1/3
- Labour: 9/4
- Liberal Democrats: 100/1
In what year will the elections be held? (betdirect)
- 2010: 1/2
- 2009: 13/8
- 2008: 33
Who will be the next General Election party leaders? (betfair)
- Brown/Cameron only: 0.4/1
- Cameron only: 2.1/1
- Brown/Cameron?Campbell: 23/1
- Brown only: 24/1
- Cameron/Campbell only: 64/1
- None: 74/1
- Brown/Campbell only: 169/1
- Campbell only: 249/1
Our thoughts:
*Labour are unlikely to call for a General Election anytime soon, 2010 as the bookies predict is the most realistic bet.
*In terms of party leaders, if Brown proves that he has made positive changes in the UK and everything goes according to plan so to speak, he may well live to see another term in office.
*However, if things do not improve, people will want change and if the Conservatives are still gaining popularity Labour will want to sacrifice Brown to its preserve its position in power.
*Whether or not Brown stays on as party leader I would bet that Cameron will still be leader of the Conservatives during the next general election.
By Annabel
