Odds of a 2012 election halve as coalition unrest continues
Published:WE COULD be heading for a surprise 2012 General Election, according to Ladbrokes.
The bookies have halved the odds that we go to the polls this year to 8/1 following a run of money triggered by continued coalition unrest.
Shockwaves from the dissent over the Lords reform have also triggered a cut in Nick Clegg’s odds of surviving until the next General Election, whenever that may occur. It’s now just 7/4 he has left before it takes place.
Tim Farron is the 6/4 favourite to be the next Liberal Democrat leader with Norman Lamb a 5/1 chance. Vince Cable is one of three 10/1 shots along with Chris Huhne and Danny Alexander.
Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: “The longer this rumbles on for the shorter the odds get that there’s a shock election this year. The Lib Dems are coming under increasing pressure and the money says Clegg may walk sooner than people think.”
Ladbrokes latest betting
Year of next general election
2012 8/1 (from 16/1)
2013 7/2
2014 6/1
2015 or later 4/7
Nick Clegg to be Liberal Democrat leader at next General Election?
Yes 2/5
No 7/4
Next Liberal Democrat leader
Tim Farron 6/4
Norman Lamb 5/1
David Laws 8/1
Ed Davey 8/1
Danny Alexander 10/1
Chris Huhne 10/1
Vince Cable 10/1
12/1 bar
Nick Clegg to be the next MP to leave the coalition Cabinet 25/1 (from 33/1)
