Labour’s odds shorten in Oldham

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

With just over a week to go until the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election, the bookies have cut the odds even further on a Labour victory, making the party overwhelming favourites at 2/11 – the Lib Dems are at 4/1 and are rated the most likely to put up a challenge to Labour. Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said:

“The money from our political punters suggests Labour are set to win Oldham East. If a shock is on the cards it’s more likely to come from the yellow side of the coalition.”

However, rival bookmakers Paddy Power have suggested otherwise, regardless of Nick Clegg’s protestations of confidence, with spokesperson Ken Robertson saying:

“What Nick Clegg believes about his party’s chance of winning Oldham East contradicts all recent betting patterns. Victory for the Lib Dems in Oldham is now as unlikely as Manchester United finishing at the bottom of this year’s Premier League with Roy Keane in charge!”

Sources close to the Labour campaign aren’t quite as confident as the Irish bookmaker though – they’re still expecting a tough and competitive fight in Ed Miliband’s first real electoral challenge as leader, and turnout could be crucial.