Stories from today’s newspapers

Firstly, very best wishes to Mike for a speedy recovery and thanks to everyone for their support and comments on the previous thread. I’ll aim to keep pb running in Mike’s absence, but would welcome any guest articles that people might like to contribute on any aspect of UK/international politics or betting, or indeed anything relevant on finance and economics.

In particular, would any of the site’s many US experts like to contribute a beginner’s guide to the intricacies of the Iowa caucus, to cover such things as the 15% rule, how the convention delegates are elected, and what to look out for on the night of 3rd January.

Please send guest articles to electiongame@yahoo.co.uk

In the papers, John Rentoul in the Independent suggests that some of the September 2006 plotters are “bringing forward their plans to organise a leadership campaign for Ed Balls”, while the Sunday Times reports that Charlie Whelan, Brown’s former spin doctor, has been brought back to “dig dirt” on Lord Ashcroft.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that David Abrahams received beneficial planning status from the Government just weeks after he gave the Labour Party more than £100,000 in concealed donations.

In the Observer, Andrew Rawnsley warns that it’s “far too early” to pronounce the political death of Gordon Brown, while the paper also reports that voters may be entered in a lottery in a bid to increase turnout.

Finally, the Mail on Sunday reports that David Miliband tried to stop the mission by two Muslim peers who rescued Gillian Gibbons from jail in Sudan, and away from politics, that Jose Mourinho is to be offered the job of England manager.

Betting markets latest:

Lib Dem leadership: Clegg 1.29 Huhne 4.2

Democrat nominee: Clinton 1.5 Obama 3.75 Edwards 21

Republican nominee: Giuliani 2.42 Romney 4.7 Huckabee 5.4 McCain 14.5

Betfair have now opened up markets for all the early primaries and caucuses, although trading volumes are extremely thin at present.

A full rundown of the markets can be found here.

Paul Maggs “Double Carpet”

Guest Editor