Enter our Cheadle by-election competition

From the betting perspective Thursday’s Cheadle by-election has been an absolute flop. Only one market has been available and that has been on the Betfair betting exchange where punters themselves offer odds without the intervention of a bookmaker.

From the media perpsective there has hardly been any coverage apart from the speculation, which started here last Saturday, on what a Lib Dem defeat would mean for Charles Kennedy’s CV.

The site, though, has been bubbling with information opinions from all sides and many posters have started to make predictions. So, in response to calls, here is the Politicalbetting Cheadle Prediction Competition. The only prize we can offer is one that is priceless – the recognition of your fellow users on PB.C.

1. Which party will win? – 10 points for the correct prediction

2. What will be the percentage turnout? 8 points for being within one percent reducing by one point for each full percentage point that you are out.

3. What will be the Lib Dem vote share? 15 points for being within one percent reducing by one point for each full percentage point that you are out.

4. What will be the Tory vote share? 15 points for being within one percent reducing by one point for each full percentage point that you are out.

5. What will be the Labour vote share? 6 points for being within one percent reducing by one point for each full percentage point that you are out.

6. Will Charles Kennedy make a statement about his future plans by 1800 BST on Sunday? YES or NO – 10 points for the correct answer.

All entries have to be posted here by 0700 BST on Thursday morning. This thread is only to be used for entries. Comments about the competition should be posted on the previous thread. Any that are are put here will be deleted.

Only one entry per person – and that includes those who have multiple personalites here on PB.C! I am the final arbiter on all matters relating to this contest and I am right even when I am wrong.

Mike Smithson