Hockey to lead Liberal Party: Punters

The punters usually have a fair idea when it comes to forecasting leadership issues. It might not come as soon as Monday, but it looks like Joe Hockey is a good thing to take the Liberals to the next election.

Below is a press release issued today by Sportingbet:

As the Coalition leadership hangs in the balance, punters have unequivocally backed Joe Hockey to lead the Coalition to the next election.

Embattled incumbent Malcolm Turnbull meanwhile languishes in third place in the Sportingbet Australia market – a devastating judgement by punters that is sure to compound his current woes.

With Hockey suddenly shortened to $1.80 and Turnbull drifting out to an improbable $3.50, the instigator Tony Abbott is enjoying a resurgence in the eyes of punters, shortening into $2.75.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that the market had been completely upended by today’s events, but that he expects some wise punters will be happy they backed Joe Hockey come Monday.

“Over the last six months, Hockey has paying upwards of $3 for most of the time as he has not been keen to make a grab at the leadership – and wisely so,” said Mr Sullivan.

“Now punters are getting behind him as it seems that Turnbull’s day is done and Abbott will keep his powder dry – for now at least,” he said.

Meanwhile other leadership contenders in the Sportingbet Australia market are Andrew Robb ($17), Peter Dutton ($21) and Julie Bishop ($21).

Who will lead Liberals at next Federal election?
Sportingbet Australia Market

Hockey $1.80
Abbott $2.75
Turnbull $3.50
Robb $17
Dutton $21
Bishop $21
Any Other $7