What's your bet?

Thursday, 5 May 2005 12:00 AM

The polls are open and the general election campaign is over, but it is not too late to bet.

With most bookmakers taking bets until the polls close, wannabe political pundits have the chance to offer their predictions and maybe make some money.

In terms of the results of the general election, anyone believing in a Conservative or a Liberal Democrat victory can get some good odds.

Odds vary but Political Betting - a specialist online site - has Labour clear favourites at 1/50, with the Conservatives offering a better return at 25/1 or 37/1 with the Lib Dems way out on 250/1 or 419/1.

Odds are tighter on the high profile contest in Bethnal Green and Bow between Labour loyalist Oona King and Respect candidate George Galloway. With Ladbrokes Labour are 2/5 with Respect on 2/1.

But which constituency will declare first? Sunderland South has been the first to the mark in the last three elections and is hoping for a record fourth declaration.

Last year the result was out just 43 minutes after the close of polling.

This is reflected in its odds with bookmakers Paddy Power are offering 1/5 on Sunderland South declaring first. Other bets on offer include 4/1 on Sunderland North and 12/1 on Houghton and Washington East.

Urban constituencies tend to declare first for the prosaic reason that there is less distance for the ballot papers to travel before reaching the counting stations.

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