Tory odds cut after three opinion poll triumphs:
POLL BOOST FOR TORIES SEES ELECTION ODDS CUT.......The Conservatives have been cut from 4/7 to 8/15 favourites to win the next General Election by William Hill after they received a boost in three consecutive opinion polls all of which put them well clear of Labour.

'The Tories are now at their shortest odds for over a decade and we have not seen a significant bet for Labour to retain power in months' said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe. Hills lengthened Labour's odds from 5/4 to 11/8 - the longest at which they have been quoted since they won power, with the Lib-Dems offered at 80/1. Hills believe there is a good chance of a Hung Parliament, though, and have cut that eventuality from 7/4 to 6/4.

**Alan Johnson, who has been speaking out about single parents is currently 3/1 joint favourite along with Hilary Benn, to win the race to become Deputy Leader of the Labour Party with William Hill, who make Jon Cruddas 9/2 third favourite. They also offer 8/1 Peter Hain; Harriet Harman; 10/1 Hazel Blears; 12/1 David Miliband; 14/1 Jack Straw; 16/1 Tessa Jowell.
Gordon Brown is 1/12 favourite to become Leader with Hills who also offer 10/1 Miliband; 11/1 Reid; 50 Michael Meacher.

'The Deputy Leadership field is becoming as congested as the Grand National - and as difficult to find a winner in' said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe, 'Hundreds of thousands of pounds are at stake on the outcome.'

TONY BLAIR is expected to cease to be Prime Minister in May, with William Hill offering 7/4 that he stands down in that month and also offering 7/2 June; 9/2 July; 13/2 April; 8/1 August; 10/1 September; 12/1 October; 16/1 March; 16/1 October or later; 66/1 February.
THE CONSERVATIVES are 4/7 favourites to win the next General Election with William Hill who offer Labour at 5/4 with the Lib Dems 80/1.