Boris Backed off the Boards Ahead of London Mayoral Election, Sky Bet Reports

LONDON, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Online betting firm Sky Bet have slashed Boris Johnson's odds of winning a second term as London mayor to 1/10 from 1/7 due to heavy support for the incumbent in the run-up to Thursday's election.

Tuesday's poll from YouGov, who have an impressive record in predicting this election, gave Boris just a 3% lead but nearest challenger, Labour candidate Ken Livingstone, is friendless in the next London mayor betting and his odds have drifted from 4/1 to 11/2.

Sky Bet spokeswoman, Helen Jacob, said: "Punters are backing Boris Johnson as though the votes were already cast. The polls suggest it's a closer run race than the odds, which have Boris as a shoo-in to win on Thursday."

In the betting without Johnson and Livingstone, Sky Bet make Liberal Democrats candidate Brian Paddick the 1/3 favourite, with Green candidate Jenny Jones a 9/2 shot and Independent Siobhan Benita available at 11/2.

Sky Bet Odds: Next London Mayor 2012
Boris Johnson 1/10 
Ken Livingstone 11/2 
Siobhan Benita 66/1 
Brian Paddick 125/1 

Next London mayor betting without Johnson/Livingstone
Brian Paddick 1/3
Jenny Jones 9/2
Siobhan Benita 11/2
Lawrence Webb 66/1
Carlos Cortiglia 200/1
Note: Which of the following will get the most 1st preference votes in the London mayoral election?

Boris Johnson Vote Percentage - 1st Preference Vote Percentage
44.5% or under 5/6  
Over 44.5% 5/6  

Ken Livingstone Vote Percentage - 1st Preference Vote Percentage
38.5% or under 5/6  
Over 38.5% 5/6

Siobhan Benita Vote Percentage - 1st Preference Vote Percentage
3.0% or under 5/6  
Over 3.0% 5/6  

   
    London mayoral odds over time
                         Boris Johnson                 Ken Livingstone
    October 2011              4/9                            13/8
    January 2012              4/11                            2/1
    February 2012             1/2                             6/4
    March 2012                2/5                             7/4
    April 2012                1/3                             9/4     
    Mid April 2012            1/5                           100/30
    End April 2012            1/6                             4/1
    2nd May 2012              1/10                           11/2       

Notes to editor

Sky Bet is the sports betting division of Sky Betting and Gaming, a wholly owned subsidiary of British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (Sky). One of the country's leading betting and gaming companies, Sky Bet is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire and fully licensed and regulated by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC). Sky Bet offers an online sports betting service http://www.skybet.com and boasts a recently enhanced mobile platform, Sky Bet Mobile. The Sky Bet app is free to download from the iTunes App store. Customers can also bet through their TV or by telephone.