"It's a two horse races" say bookies

11.31.34am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 3rd Jun 2006

Labour are 100/1 outsiders as the Lib Dems and Tories lead in the Bromley & Chislehurst byelection

As the candidates line up for the Bromley & Chislehurst by-election, the betting is already on for a close fought contest between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

By 15 June, betting web site Betfair has Labour as rank outsiders, with odds of 99/1. On the same day, Ladbrokes are quoting Switzerland as 80/1 shots to win the World Cup. Bookmakers and leading commentators agree: it's more likely to see a Swiss World Cup Win on 9 July than a Labour Bromley win on 29 June!

The Lib Dems are the clear challengers to the Conservatives at just 5/1.

The national betting odds reflect what local people already know - that Labour are out of the race in the Bromley area. Many Labour and Green supporters will be backing local Lib Dem candidate Ben Abbotts to win.

The Lib Dems are mounting a major challenge to the Conservatives here, and political commentators are saying they could score a stunning victory when local residents go to the polls.

Ben Abbotts said, "The Lib Dems are fighting to win in Bromley. Just a few votes could separate the Lib Dems and Conservatives on polling day. Labour and the Greens can't win here."

Related Link:

Bromley By-election odds on Betfair.