Oldham by election: Labour odds slashed

Bookmakers Ladbrokes have slashed the odds of a Labour victory at the upcoming Oldham East and Saddleworth by election.

The Labour party is the favourite to win at 2/11 while the Lib Dems are at 4/1 but could still upset Labour’s hopes for a win.

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 that the Lib Dems have little to no chance of victory. Spokesman Ken Robertson said: "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!"

Candidates

Labour -  Debbie Abrahams
Conservative -  Kashif Ali
Liberal Democrat - Elwyn Watkins
Green - Peter Allen Bus-Pass Elvis David Bishop
English Democrats -  Stephen Morris
UKIP  - Paul Nuttall
Pirate - Loz Kaye
BNP - Derek Adams

Dominic Bascombe

Main picture: Labaour Leader Ed Miliband and Debbie Abrahams