With Gordon Brown looking set to go before John Chilcot’s Iraq Inquiry before this year’s General Election Paddy Power is betting on whether such an appearance is likely to be a help or a hindrance to the Primeminister’s approval rating.
No surprisingly for such a contentious subject as the Iraq War the betting suggests Brown may have a tough job on his hands to emerge with his reputation enhanced. Its 4/5 that Brown’s approval rating falls after going before the inquiry and 13/8 that it actually goes up.
With Brown’s approval rating currently at 28% the bookie also offers 6/4 the PM maintains that level in YouGov’s next poll whilst it’s a slightly more likely 11/8 Brown’s approval dips to between 23 and 25% and 9/2 for a small increase to 29-31%.
Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said:
It’s undoubtedly a risk but no doubt a calculated one by Brown and his advisors. It’s possible Brown is on a hiding to nothing whatever he says in front of the Chilcot Inquiry but they will be hoping voters will look on him more favourably as a leader for fronting up than going into hiding.
Labour are currently 13/2 outsiders to win the forthcoming General Election.
Brown’s Approval Rating Change after Iraq Inquiry Appearance
4/5 Lower than 28%
13/8 Higher than 28%
9/2 Remains the same
Brown’s Approval Rating after Iraq Inquiry Appearance
8/1 Under 20%
5/1 20% - 22%
11/8 23% - 25%
6/4 26% - 28%
9/2 29% - 31%
9/1 32% - 34%
12/1 35% or Over
(source: YouGov)
General Election Latest
1/14 Cons
13/2 Lab
100/1 Lib Dem
