Next Tory leader betting odds and reaction: Sunak favourite to be next PM

Boris Johnson is a 7-2 chance with Hills and Ladbrokes to lead the Conservative Party in the next general election but he could be forced to leave his post a lot sooner depending on the outcome of civil servant Sue Gray's report into social gatherings at Downing Street which is due to be heard later this week.

The majority of Conservative MPs appear to be reserving judgement until the completion of Gray's investigation into events which took place during the 2020 lockdown, although there is still intense pressure on prime minister Johnson, who is 1-5 with Betfred to leave his position at some point this year.

A leadership challenge would be triggered in the event of 54 Conservative MPs submitting letters of no confidence in Johnson to Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench 1922 committee.

Six Conservative MPs have publicly declared no confidence in the prime minister but more are suspected to have sent letters to Brady, who would be responsible for organising any future Tory leadership contest.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has long been touted as a potential successor to Johnson and is the 11-8 favourite to be the next prime minister, while foreign secretary Liz Truss is a 6-1 chance.

Backbench MP Jeremy Hunt, who lost to Johnson in the June-July 2019 leadership contest, is 7-1 and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is 10-1, although his backers would be relying on Johnson being ousted at the ballot box rather than by his own MPs.

Labour are ahead in recent opinion polls but they are 11-8 to win the most seats at the next general election, which is scheduled for May 2024, and the Conservatives are 4-6 favourites.

A Conservative overall majority can be backed at 15-8, while a Labour majority and a hung parliament are 9-2 and 10-11 respectively.

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport