Somerton & Frome By-Election Odds: Lib Dems heavy favourites in the West Country

As voters head to the polls in England on Thursday, three crucial by-elections are taking place. Among them is the constituency of Somerton & Frome and we’ve taken a look at the latest odds available from various bookmakers.

Somerton & Frome

This Thursday, 20th July, holds potential significance in political history, as it has been over half a century since a prime minister lost three seats at by-elections on the same day. The last instance was in 1968 when Harold Wilson faced a similar outcome.

• Uxbridge & South Ruislip by-election odds

A mere year ago, the Liberal Democrats created by-election history by overturning a significant 24,239-vote Conservative majority in Tiverton and Honiton. Now, they return to compete in the Somerton and Frome constituency.

In contrast to Tiverton in Devon, this West Country market town boasts a strong Liberal Democrat heritage. For 18 years, it was represented by the former Lib Dem minister, David Heath, until the Conservatives won it during the post-coalition sweep of the South West in 2015.

Candidates 

• Lorna Corke, Christian Peoples Alliance
• Martin Dimery, Green Party
• Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat Party
• Bruce Evans, Reform UK
• Neil Guild, Labour Party
• Rosie Mitchell, Independent
• Faye Purbrick, Conservative Party
• Peter Richardson, UKIP

Odds 

Priced at 1/50, The Liberal Democrats are the heavy odds-on favourites for Somerton and Frome. Those odds imply a 98% chance of victory with William Hill, with the Conservatives out at 16/1 and Labour 150/1. You can find all the prices from a list of trusted betting sites below. 

What are by-elections and what are they happening? 

By-elections are a mechanism used to elect new members of parliament when vacancies arise in the House of Commons outside of a general election. These vacancies may occur due to the passing away or the resignation of an MP.

Recently, three by-elections have been triggered by the resignations of three MPs, each following separate controversies. One significant case involves former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who represented Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Johnson decided to step down after a committee of MPs investigated whether he had misled Parliament regarding the Partygate scandal. The committee's recommendation of severe punishment raised the possibility of a by-election for him.

• Selby & Ainsty by-election odds

Another notable instance occurred with Nigel Adams, the MP for Selby and Ainsty and a close ally of Mr. Johnson. He also announced his resignation the following day amid controversy surrounding Mr. Johnson's resignation honours list, where Mr. Adams was conspicuously absent.

In addition to these developments, a by-election will take place in Somerton and Frome after its former MP, David Warburton, resigned. Mr. Warburton admitted to using cocaine and faced accusations of making unwanted advances towards two women, which led to his suspension from the Conservative Party the previous year. An investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct has been initiated, although Mr. Warburton firmly denies them