Livingstone I presume

Bookies are at odds over who will become the next London Mayor with opinions split over the chances of current incumbent Ken Livingstone and Tory MP Boris Johnson. Livingstone is odds on with Ladbrokes to win next year's London mayoral election and remain in his post for a third term while William Hill have shortened the price of occasional TV presenter and lovable rogue Johnson becoming the next Mayor of London from 2/1 to 15/8 following his speech at the launch of his campaign. Ken Livingstone remains their odds-on favourite at 8/15. "For the first time Ken Livingstone has a real battle on his hands, Boris Johnson is a genuine candidate and it looks like we are in for a cracking contest," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams. Ladbrokes Spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "Ken's made himself at home at City Hall and he doesn't look like he'll be needing Pickfords to shift his stuff just yet. But Boris will give him a run for his money if he doesn't derail his own campaign with one his trademark gaffes." Ladbrokes can see no other candidates outside of the top two making any waves in the market and make Liberal Democrat challenger and former Deputy assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Brian Paddick a 16/1 outsider. Andrew Boff, who lost out on the Conservative ticket to Stephen Norris last time, is 50/1 to land the role with fellow Tories Victoria Borwick and Warwick Lightfoot both 66/1. Lib Dem candidates Chamali Fernando and Fiyaz Mughal are available at 100/1. 2008 London Mayoral Election Winner betting: Ladbrokes: Ken Livingstone 4/7; Boris Johnson 5/4; Brian Paddick 16/1 William Hill: 8/15 Ken Livingstone; 15/8 Boris Johnson; 12/1 B Paddick (Editor's Note: Will gaffe-prone Johnson ruin his chances and let Red Ken waltz to another term? Follow the drama as it unfolds on William Hill and Ladbrokes!)