politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » So which ones will survive the first vote?
CON MP voting in the first round of the leadership contest ended at noon and the result is expected by 1pm. Contenders need to have secured 17 or more votes to get into the next round.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
“How can I live among this gentle obsolescent breed of Tories and not weep? Unicorns, almost, for they are fading into two legends in which their Remainery and Leavery are celebrated. Each, Europhile and Brexiteer, will be an immortal."
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
I'll be first up to eat humble pie. My defence is that Boris Johnson is an absolutely terrible choice and I didn't think the Conservatives could be so stupid. But apparently they are.
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
I’m very grateful to HYUFD that he gave me 50/1 on Hunt beating Boris when Hunt was circa 12/1 to win the race.
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
Like your figures, although I would be happier if Raab was out now, as he is a clear and present danger to democracy in this country. And also totally out of his depth generally.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
I'll be first up to eat humble pie. My defence is that Boris Johnson is an absolutely terrible choice and I didn't think the Conservatives could be so stupid. But apparently they are.
+1 - he's an awful candidate and I'm underwater but I still can't see him winning - something is going to happen that blows his campaign up...
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 50 Michael Gove 42 Sajid Javid 32 Dominic Raab 27 Rory Stewart 18 Andrea Leadsom 14 Matthew Hancock 11 Mark Harper 8 Esther McVey 8
An insufficiently examined question: why did Johnson pull out (fnaar) in 2016? If the Gove cocaine revelation had been about Johnson that would be an entirely satisfactory explanation. Is Gove playing a long game with an anti Johnson story, or does he have an anti Johnson story which now looks worthless because it would now look like a tit for tat after Johnson got his retaliation in first?
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
I'll be first up to eat humble pie. My defence is that Boris Johnson is an absolutely terrible choice and I didn't think the Conservatives could be so stupid. But apparently they are.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
I’m very grateful to HYUFD that he gave me 50/1 on Hunt beating Boris when Hunt was circa 12/1 to win the race.
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
Like your figures, although I would be happier if Raab was out now, as he is a clear and present danger to democracy in this country. And also totally out of his depth generally.
Disagree. Not with your views of Raab, but it’s important that he is soundly and publicly beaten. Otherwise he will linger around like “DSR” Fox
Bit of a silly analogy though as the reason Raab isn't going to do any good isn't because Con is turning away from the Right (far from it) but because Boris is saying everything Raab is saying but he also has charisma and is a proven election winner.
If Boris wasn't standing Raab would would win this IMO.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
If Leadsom doesn't make it through this round there's probably going to be a lot of money sloshing around the exchange as everyone can finally cash in their lays.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
This all has an air of utter pointlessness to it. Just get Boris in and send him off to kick that EU backside!
... before caving in and accepting the deal the EU have already offered.
I have long since thought that that is Boris plan. Get the EU to make the odd change to the PD, submit it to the HOC, and it passes fairly easily and he wins
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
Like your figures, although I would be happier if Raab was out now, as he is a clear and present danger to democracy in this country. And also totally out of his depth generally.
Disagree. Not with your views of Raab, but it’s important that he is soundly and publicly beaten...
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
It was profitable in 2016 when Boris was the long term favourite.
Ditto in 2005/03 with David Davis.
Ditto in 2001 with Portillo.
Ditto in 1997 with Clarke, Hezza, and Portillo.
Ditto in 1990 with Hezza and earlier than that John Moore!
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
I'll be first up to eat humble pie. My defence is that Boris Johnson is an absolutely terrible choice and I didn't think the Conservatives could be so stupid. But apparently they are.
I’ll be second. I thought he was soiled goods, and with good reason.
The only thing I will say in my defence is that when the facts changed I quickly changed my betting position.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
I drunkenly backed Lidington in the wrong market, and had £36 at 1000 on Michael Portillo, so didn’t exactly cover myself in glory either to be fair. Boris is the best result (-£23!)
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
Like your figures, although I would be happier if Raab was out now, as he is a clear and present danger to democracy in this country. And also totally out of his depth generally.
Disagree. Not with your views of Raab, but it’s important that he is soundly and publicly beaten...
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
It was profitable in 2016 when Boris was the long term favourite.
Ditto in 2005/03 with David Davis.
Ditto in 2001 with Portillo.
Ditto in 1997 with Clarke, Hezza, and Portillo.
Ditto in 1990 with Hezza and earlier than that John Moore!
Ditto in 1975 with Willie Whitelaw.
I could be wrong, but I'd have thought that the betting markets would be a lot more efficient now than a decade or two ago, so not sure how relevant most of those examples are.
If we are talking about good header writers, then may I point out that @corporeal wrote two or three absolute stunners earlier in the year? @Sunil_Prasannan 's articles about by-elections also required prior research and impressed. I like the more think-pieces by @Cyclefree , @david_herdson , @AlastairMeeks and @Alanbrooke and read them with pleasure but I do enjoy the more research-y ones.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
It was profitable in 2016 when Boris was the long term favourite.
Ditto in 2005/03 with David Davis.
Ditto in 2001 with Portillo.
Ditto in 1997 with Clarke, Hezza, and Portillo.
Ditto in 1990 with Hezza and earlier than that John Moore!
Ditto in 1975 with Willie Whitelaw.
I could be wrong, but I'd have thought that the betting markets would be a lot more efficient now than a decade or two ago, so not sure how relevant most of those examples are.
And what odds were the favourites on for those examples? I think the problem with the strategy in this case is that they were often on <30%
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
It was profitable in 2016 when Boris was the long term favourite.
Ditto in 2005/03 with David Davis.
Ditto in 2001 with Portillo.
Ditto in 1997 with Clarke, Hezza, and Portillo.
Ditto in 1990 with Hezza and earlier than that John Moore!
Ditto in 1975 with Willie Whitelaw.
How could anyone have laid the favourite pre 2001 (assuming Betfair had a market on it that year, which I doubt actually)?
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
Like your figures, although I would be happier if Raab was out now, as he is a clear and present danger to democracy in this country. And also totally out of his depth generally.
Disagree. Not with your views of Raab, but it’s important that he is soundly and publicly beaten...
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
If we are talking about good header writers, then may I point out that @corporeal wrote two or three absolute stunners earlier in the year? @Sunil_Prasannan 's articles about by-elections also required prior research and impressed. I like the more think-pieces by @Cyclefree , @david_herdson , @AlastairMeeks and @Alanbrooke and read them with pleasure but I do enjoy the more research-y ones.
I make no comment on the quality of the writing, just asked if there were ever any that considered Brexit might be a good thing. Apparently there have been at least eight in the last four years from @Richard_Tyndall and @Cyclefree
Can’t be surely? That’s a year’s gross salary for the PM.
(Although the two front runners are probably the only two who could actually write a cheque for that much).
If this rule has only just been announced, then his really makes it feel like a stitch-up.
I don't really see the problem with this. Campaigns for each of the candidates are quite well funded by supporters and pay for stuff like direct mail. Organising hustings etc is a substantial expense for CCHQ and the hustings are put on to help candidates convey their messages. Nobody making the top two would have any problem at all stumping up.
It does say something about the state of CCHQ funding, however.
If we are talking about good header writers, then may I point out that @corporeal wrote two or three absolute stunners earlier in the year? @Sunil_Prasannan 's articles about by-elections also required prior research and impressed. I like the more think-pieces by @Cyclefree , @david_herdson , @AlastairMeeks and @Alanbrooke and read them with pleasure but I do enjoy the more research-y ones.
I make no comment on the quality of the writing, just asked if there were ever any that considered Brexit might be a good thing. Apparently there have been at least eight in the last four years from @Richard_Tyndall and @Cyclefree
Perhaps that's because Brexit is actually a bad thing, and no-one can really find an opposing argument?
This all has an air of utter pointlessness to it. Just get Boris in and send him off to kick that EU backside!
... before caving in and accepting the deal the EU have already offered.
I have long since thought that that is Boris plan. Get the EU to make the odd change to the PD, submit it to the HOC, and it passes fairly easily and he wins
The only fly in the ointment will be Nigel. If he can successfully label Boris's 'renegotiation' as a hollow sell-out then that should be the Tories finished. However, the media probably won't give Nigel much of a platform to make his complaints, such will be their euphoria over Boris. In that situation Boris should be safe.
If we are talking about good header writers, then may I point out that @corporeal wrote two or three absolute stunners earlier in the year? @Sunil_Prasannan 's articles about by-elections also required prior research and impressed. I like the more think-pieces by @Cyclefree , @david_herdson , @AlastairMeeks and @Alanbrooke and read them with pleasure but I do enjoy the more research-y ones.
Good point about @corporeal and Smithson Jnr. I didn't intentionally omit them in my earlier comment - just didn't scroll back far enough to turn up their articles.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
It was profitable in 2016 when Boris was the long term favourite.
Ditto in 2005/03 with David Davis.
Ditto in 2001 with Portillo.
Ditto in 1997 with Clarke, Hezza, and Portillo.
Ditto in 1990 with Hezza and earlier than that John Moore!
Ditto in 1975 with Willie Whitelaw.
I could be wrong, but I'd have thought that the betting markets would be a lot more efficient now than a decade or two ago, so not sure how relevant most of those examples are.
I think you have to factor in a few things.
There were fewer Tory leadership contests, so say between 2005 and 2016 there were quite a few favourites to succeed David Cameron, such as David Davis, George Osborne, Boris Johnson to name but a few.
So after a gap of eleven years between contests we’re now on our second in three years.
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
Like your figures, although I would be happier if Raab was out now, as he is a clear and present danger to democracy in this country. And also totally out of his depth generally.
Disagree. Not with your views of Raab, but it’s important that he is soundly and publicly beaten...
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
Laying Jacob Rees-Mogg was a goldmine.
Ruth Davidson was a highly profitable lay briefly as well.
Can’t be surely? That’s a year’s gross salary for the PM.
(Although the two front runners are probably the only two who could actually write a cheque for that much).
If this rule has only just been announced, then his really makes it feel like a stitch-up.
I don't really see the problem with this. Campaigns for each of the candidates are quite well funded by supporters and pay for stuff like direct mail. Organising hustings etc is a substantial expense for CCHQ and the hustings are put on to help candidates convey their messages. Nobody making the top two would have any problem at all stumping up.
It does say something about the state of CCHQ funding, however.
Yes - but it's worse than that - the next PM may be beholden to those who gave him the money to attend the hustings..
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
Laying Jacob Rees-Mogg was a goldmine.
How many other people have been favourite in this market? Hasn't it included Gove and Davis as well?
If you laid all the favourites then that would minimise losses on a Johnson victory, and if there were enough of them you could still come out ahead, depending on the exact odds and stakes.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
Laying Jacob Rees-Mogg was a goldmine.
Yes indeed. Back when HY was telling us his time was coming.
Sticking my neck out, I reckon Leadsom will achieve 20
This is going to be a Boris coronation isn't it....
Good point :- say you are 2nd on <100 votes to Boris's 200+, what's the point of wasting £150k, you might just as well concede at that point.</p>
Even if you're 200+ up against 100 for Johnson, you're still losing the member vote.
You start as outsider in a race against Johnson. But there are two points. Firstly, it is not unlikely that Johnson will do or say something daft, or a revelation will emerge. So you don't have no chance by any means. Secondly, if Johnson really is going to be "Chairman of the Board" as claimed, he needs a Chief Exec, and you get that role by being every Tory's second favourite guy.
Also, £150k simply isn't a problem. These people have plenty of wealthy supporters and will be spending a substantial sum on their campaigns anyway.
This all has an air of utter pointlessness to it. Just get Boris in and send him off to kick that EU backside!
... before caving in and accepting the deal the EU have already offered.
I have long since thought that that is Boris plan. Get the EU to make the odd change to the PD, submit it to the HOC, and it passes fairly easily and he wins
Back when May was facing her VoNC, a lot of people were arguing she should stay because her deal is the only one available. I never really understood that- surely if that's the case then it's all the more reason to replace her with somebody who would actually be good at selling the deal to parliament/their party. People didn't seem to be able to separate their support of the deal from their support of May.
It could be that will still work, as you're suggesting. But maybe everyone's just too entrenched now. If that's the case then the people who wanted May to stay on are going to have to ask themselves whether that was for the best.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
I'll be first up to eat humble pie. My defence is that Boris Johnson is an absolutely terrible choice and I didn't think the Conservatives could be so stupid. But apparently they are.
I’ll be second. I thought he was soiled goods, and with good reason.
The only thing I will say in my defence is that when the facts changed I quickly changed my betting position.
I have always been of the view that he would win a landslide if allowed anywhere near the membership. The question was whether MPs would stop that. I was never convinced that they would go so against the membership as to not put him forward. The voluntary party would have exploded.
I have bet accordingly, so that I am mildly green on Bozza, green on all 10 with a couple of biggies.
I have only done this market with play money (my biggest (and now only) exposure is - 120 quid on Leadsom winning) but I rode Boris's fluctuating price twice to lock in Green on the field.
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
Like your figures, although I would be happier if Raab was out now, as he is a clear and present danger to democracy in this country. And also totally out of his depth generally.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
It was profitable in 2016 when Boris was the long term favourite.
Ditto in 2005/03 with David Davis.
Ditto in 2001 with Portillo.
Ditto in 1997 with Clarke, Hezza, and Portillo.
Ditto in 1990 with Hezza and earlier than that John Moore!
Ditto in 1975 with Willie Whitelaw.
How could anyone have laid the favourite pre 2001 (assuming Betfair had a market on it that year, which I doubt actually)?
I was talking in the abstract about those years. You shouldn’t have backed the favourite in those years.
So since 1965 when the Tories have elected their leaders the long term favourite hasn’t won yet.
I think Boris was amusing on Have I Got News For You, but apart from that I don't know what people see in him.
That's literally what people see in him. Bumbling charm on the telly while appearing entirely unembarrassed about all your shitey previous behaviours is now a primo qualification to be Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
My prediction. It assumes every MP votes for a candidate, with no spoilt papers.
Boris Johnson 103 Jeremy Hunt 45 Michael Gove 42 Dominic Raab 30 Rory Stewart 22 Sajid Javid 21 Matthew Hancock 19 Andrea Leadsom 12 Mark Harper 10 Esther McVey 9
Like your figures, although I would be happier if Raab was out now, as he is a clear and present danger to democracy in this country. And also totally out of his depth generally.
Disagree. Not with your views of Raab, but it’s important that he is soundly and publicly beaten...
No need to go all Jo Brand on him...
He’d probably enjoy it anyway
But wasn't he a grammar school kid ?
Wannabes are the worst 😊
Perhaps, but isn't enjoying a sound beating a pretty well exclusively public school thing ?
If we are talking about good header writers, then may I point out that @corporeal wrote two or three absolute stunners earlier in the year? @Sunil_Prasannan 's articles about by-elections also required prior research and impressed. I like the more think-pieces by @Cyclefree , @david_herdson , @AlastairMeeks and @Alanbrooke and read them with pleasure but I do enjoy the more research-y ones.
I make no comment on the quality of the writing, just asked if there were ever any that considered Brexit might be a good thing. Apparently there have been at least eight in the last four years from @Richard_Tyndall and @Cyclefree
Additionally we have had some articles from the pollsters, with Joe Twyman and Martin Boon announcing Deltapoll on here and a couple of others who I forget...
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
It definitely worked for the last tory election, and the last labour election. Not for Brown before that, but yes for Cameron.
Can’t be surely? That’s a year’s gross salary for the PM.
(Although the two front runners are probably the only two who could actually write a cheque for that much).
If this rule has only just been announced, then his really makes it feel like a stitch-up.
I don't really see the problem with this. Campaigns for each of the candidates are quite well funded by supporters and pay for stuff like direct mail. Organising hustings etc is a substantial expense for CCHQ and the hustings are put on to help candidates convey their messages. Nobody making the top two would have any problem at all stumping up.
It does say something about the state of CCHQ funding, however.
If the rules have been changed (again) after the process has started, then it stinks.
I also hope the sources of funding for this (and indeed all the candidates) are declared to parliament.
My position was that Boris Johnson would be a reckless, bordering on the foolhardy, choice as Party leader, who would be a poor PM. That remains my opinion.
This all has an air of utter pointlessness to it. Just get Boris in and send him off to kick that EU backside!
... before caving in and accepting the deal the EU have already offered.
I have long since thought that that is Boris plan. Get the EU to make the odd change to the PD, submit it to the HOC, and it passes fairly easily and he wins
Back when May was facing her VoNC, a lot of people were arguing she should stay because her deal is the only one available. I never really understood that- surely if that's the case then it's all the more reason to replace her with somebody who would actually be good at selling the deal to parliament/their party. People didn't seem to be able to separate their support of the deal from their support of May.
It could be that will still work, as you're suggesting. But maybe everyone's just too entrenched now. If that's the case then the people who wanted May to stay on are going to have to ask themselves whether that was for the best.
Although really the blame would be with the ERG. They were the ones who totally failed to reach out during the VoNC and make the argument to any other Tories that it might be in their interests to replace May too. Instead it was a pointless, counterproductive, feather-puffing exercise.
How will those who constantly advised us lay Boris at 5/1 and bigger over the last two years apologise to @HYUFD for the snarky comments they threw at him when he begged to differ? Even if he were to lose from here, the current equity on the bets must be horrific
Lots of PB humble pie!
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
More generally, has the "lay the leader" strategy actually proven profitable? With so many contenders, all on such low numbers, it's seemed rather risky.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
Laying Jacob Rees-Mogg was a goldmine.
Yes indeed. Back when HY was telling us his time was coming.
Sticking my neck out, I reckon Leadsom will achieve 20
It all seemed to go wrong for Rees-Mogg with the publication of his terrible book on the Victorian era, which was lambasted across the political spectrum. It rather exposed him as a pseudo-intellectual and money grabber. In Boris world I doubt we'll hear much of him again.
If we are talking about good header writers, then may I point out that @corporeal wrote two or three absolute stunners earlier in the year? @Sunil_Prasannan 's articles about by-elections also required prior research and impressed. I like the more think-pieces by @Cyclefree , @david_herdson , @AlastairMeeks and @Alanbrooke and read them with pleasure but I do enjoy the more research-y ones.
I make no comment on the quality of the writing, just asked if there were ever any that considered Brexit might be a good thing. Apparently there have been at least eight in the last four years from @Richard_Tyndall and @Cyclefree
Additionally we have had some articles from the pollsters, with Joe Twyman and Martin Boon announcing Deltapoll on here and a couple of others who I forget...
I’ve done one or two but I find it hard work, to be honest.
Comments
Congratulations.
https://twitter.com/alexwickham/status/1139116590270693376
Boris Johnson 103
Jeremy Hunt 45
Michael Gove 42
Dominic Raab 30
Rory Stewart 22
Sajid Javid 21
Matthew Hancock 19
Andrea Leadsom 12
Mark Harper 10
Esther McVey 9
Given Theresa May has virtually bankrupted the party I'd not be surprised...
This would fit in with the speculation that CCHQ doesn’t have a pot to piss in.
(Although the two front runners are probably the only two who could actually write a cheque for that much).
Edit: Still, fairness and the Tories - not natural bedfellows.
https://twitter.com/johnmcternan/status/1139129888840044545
Boris Johnson 103
Jeremy Hunt 50
Michael Gove 42
Sajid Javid 32
Dominic Raab 27
Rory Stewart 18
Andrea Leadsom 14
Matthew Hancock 11
Mark Harper 8
Esther McVey 8
I guess that @HYUFD would join @AndyJS on the list of people who I’ll buy beers for if ever we meet in real life. (for very different reasons).
If Boris wasn't standing Raab would would win this IMO.
I guess anyone who always laid whoever it was who was ahead then traded out of that position once somebody else took over was probably scraping in a small amount for a long time, but did that make up for eventually being stuck in a red Boris position?
Good point :- say you are 2nd on <100 votes to Boris's 200+, what's the point of wasting £150k, you might just as well concede at that point.
At what stage does a phrase like that become an idiom as opposed to a quote you should cite?
Ditto in 2005/03 with David Davis.
Ditto in 2001 with Portillo.
Ditto in 1997 with Clarke, Hezza, and Portillo.
Ditto in 1990 with Hezza and earlier than that John Moore!
Ditto in 1975 with Willie Whitelaw.
Works really well
Until it doesn’t
The only thing I will say in my defence is that when the facts changed I quickly changed my betting position.
But wouldn't it shake things up if he did!
If we are talking about good header writers, then may I point out that @corporeal wrote two or three absolute stunners earlier in the year? @Sunil_Prasannan 's articles about by-elections also required prior research and impressed. I like the more think-pieces by @Cyclefree , @david_herdson , @AlastairMeeks and @Alanbrooke and read them with pleasure but I do enjoy the more research-y ones.
The siterunners @rcs1000 , @TheScreamingEagles and - of course - @MikeSmithson are also good.
It ought to be a criminal offence to shoehorn someone else's good writing into your execrable bilge, though.
However those positive qualities are also rather shallow, and he has a host of other characteristics that make him wholly unsuitable for high office.
It does say something about the state of CCHQ funding, however.
I didn't intentionally omit them in my earlier comment - just didn't scroll back far enough to turn up their articles.
There were fewer Tory leadership contests, so say between 2005 and 2016 there were quite a few favourites to succeed David Cameron, such as David Davis, George Osborne, Boris Johnson to name but a few.
So after a gap of eleven years between contests we’re now on our second in three years.
If you laid all the favourites then that would minimise losses on a Johnson victory, and if there were enough of them you could still come out ahead, depending on the exact odds and stakes.
Sticking my neck out, I reckon Leadsom will achieve 20
Also, £150k simply isn't a problem. These people have plenty of wealthy supporters and will be spending a substantial sum on their campaigns anyway.
It could be that will still work, as you're suggesting. But maybe everyone's just too entrenched now. If that's the case then the people who wanted May to stay on are going to have to ask themselves whether that was for the best.
I have bet accordingly, so that I am mildly green on Bozza, green on all 10 with a couple of biggies.
So since 1965 when the Tories have elected their leaders the long term favourite hasn’t won yet.
Before I forget, has @Tissue_Price or @AndreaParma_82 or @AndyJS or @Casino_Royale or @Black_Rook or - come to think of it - you written articles? I like it when the analysts and gamblers come out to play.
Additionally we have had some articles from the pollsters, with Joe Twyman and Martin Boon announcing Deltapoll on here and a couple of others who I forget...
I also hope the sources of funding for this (and indeed all the candidates) are declared to parliament.
https://twitter.com/PeterMannionMP/status/1139131582596485120
That remains my opinion.