The Green Party are the most likely contenders to challenge Labour in Lewisham Deptford at the upcoming general election, according to bookmakers.
Betting chain Ladbrokes are offering odds of 12/1 on Green candidate Darren Johnson snatching the seat from sitting MP and current favourite, Labour’s Joan Ruddock.
At the last general election, the Greens were outsiders at 100/1. This time around, odds have been dramatically slashed, leaving the Greens second behind Labour, with the Liberal Democrats at just 33/1 and the Conservatives the outsiders at 100/1.
Darren Johnson AM, Brockley councillor and Green parliamentary candidate for Lewisham Deptford, said:
"The shortening of the odds on a Green win reflects the desire for change on the part of Lewisham’s voters. Many people are fed up with Labour and see no good reason to back the other major parties. If you’ve had enough of Labour and you want Lewisham to have a fresh, positive and green voice in Westminster, the best thing you can do is vote Green."
The Green Party’s popularity in Lewisham Deptford has been steadily increasing. In the 2006 local elections, 2008 London Assembly elections and the 2009 European elections Greens came second to Labour in the constituency, well ahead of both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.