The odds: BBC debate a two horse race
by Joe Fraser
Gordon Brown’s indiscretion yesterday has made him an even more distant outsider in the final debate betting.
Bookmakers William Hill say that punters are divided on who will win the final showdown, but there is little doubt about who will lose.
“Nick Clegg and David Cameron are attracting equal amounts of support – but no-one is interested in backing Gordon Brown” said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.
Hills have lengthened Mr Brown from 5/2 to 7/2 outsider, while shortening both Mr Clegg and Mr Cameron from 6/4 to 5/4 joint favourites.
It remains to be seen whether the debates will have an impact on voter turn-out but Hills say that the unprecedented effect on the polls has been mirrored by exceptional betting activity.
“Political punters believe the debates have been a tremendous innovation” said Mr Sharpe. Hills alone have taken over £1million in election bets.
The fallout from Brown’s blunder in Rochdale has seen a lowering of Hills price on an overall Conservative majority.
Mr Sharpe added: “We have shortened our price for the Tories from 15/8 to 6/4 as we have seen a rush of support for them following Gordon Brown’s gaffe.
“We have lengthened the odds on a hung parliament from 8/15 to 4/6, while a Labour majority has been lengthened from 12/1 to 16/1 while the Lib Dems are 20/1.”
For the latest 
Paddy Power latest election betting odds
Winner (most seats)
1/6 Conservatives
5/1 Labour
14/1 Liberal Democrats
Overall majority
1/2 None (hung parliament)
6/4 Conservatives
25/1 Labour
33/1 Lib Dems
Who will Gillian Duffy vote for?
4/6 Lib Dems
2/1 Conservatives
3/1 Labour
