The odds: Grayling favourite to become home secretary
By Richard Chidwick
Punters could place a wise bet on Chris Grayling to succeed Alan Johnston as Home Secretary.
Despite the current shadow home secretary’s controversial comments last week, he remains William Hill’s favourite to succeed Alan Johnson as home secretary at 3/1.
Today’s other bets continue look at Thursday’s televised leadership debates, and voter turnout in the election.
Graham Sharpe, spokesman for William Hill said: “Mr Grayling would have been at much shorter odds had he not recently been involved in one or two controversial incidents, but we think he is still in pole position to succeed Alan Johnson as Home Secretary.”
Hill makes David Cameron evens to win the first debate, and 8/15 to win most debates, based on an ICM poll.
They also offer 25/1 on the three party leaders walking out of any of the three public debates.
The bookmaker has cut its odds for a low voter turnout.
Hills make 60-64.99% and 65-69.99% their 9/4 joint favourites.
“Originally quoted at 10/1 the odds have now come down to 7/1 for a voter turnout of under 55% which would set a new record low figure” said Mr Sharpe.
“The feeling is that apathy may well rule in this election.” he added.
Paddy Power has the Conservatives as odds on winners of Thursday’s debate. Cameron is on evens, Clegg has moved into second place from 5/2 to 2/1, and Brown has gone up to 7-4.
Darren Haines spokesman for Paddy power said: “Clegg’s odds are so good because we believe the Lib Dem leader has less to lose then the other two and the pressure will be off.”
Ladbrokes also have odds on Brown and Cameron not shaking hands on Camera with decent odds at 5/1 and any leader to walk off during debate 33/1.
Nick Weinberg said: “There’s certainly no love lost between the big two. As they go eyeball-to-eyeball etiquette may go out of the window.”
Odds
Paddy Power
8/15 Conservative majority
13/8 Hung parliament
9/1 Labour majority
200/1 Liberal Democrat majority
Ladbrokes
8/15 Conservative Overall Majority
10/1 Labour Overall Majority
200/1 Liberal Democrat Overall Majority
15/8 No Overall Majority
William Hill
4/7 Conservative Overall Majority
8/1 Labour Overall Majority
33/1Liberal Democrat Majority
13/8 Hung Parliament
For the latest 
