The odds shorten for Purnell

I know many CoffeeHousers will take some time to forgive me for suggesting James Purnell as the best chance for Labour. But I am not alone. A rush of money on him has led Ladbrokes to make him joint second favourite to succeed Brown at 6/1. The curse of being the favourite still falls upon David Miliband at 5/2. Alan Johnson, whom the Tories fear the most, is also on 6/1. Here is the full list.

David Miliband — 5/2
Alan Johnson — 6/1
James Purnell — 6/1
Jack Straw — 7/1
John Denham — 7/1
Ed Balls — 8/1
Jon Cruddas — 10/1
Andy Burnham — 16/1
Ed Miliband — 16/1
Harriet Harman — 16/1
Yvette Cooper — 16/1
Douglas Alexander — 20/1
Hilary Benn — 20/1
Caroline Flint — 25/1
Jacqui Smith — 25/1
John Hutton — 25/1
John McDonnell — 25/1
Charles Clarke — 33/1
Geoff Hoon — 33/1
Alan Milburn — 50/1
John Reid — 50/1
Ruth Kelly — 50/1
Tessa Jowell — 50/1