The Odds On The Hartlepool By-Election Could Hang Labour

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Hartlepool has an interesting history. Most places in the UK do. They’ve had plenty of time to accrue some. Unfortunately, the only part anyone outside Hartlepool can actually remember is that they once hung a monkey. So, the odds on the Hartlepool by-election at online betting sites in the UK like Bet365 would always be of interest to the press. Monkey hanging makes for great headlines. However, this time round, the chances of a Tory win give it substance as well as froth. 

Once upon a time, the story goes, during the Napoleonic wars a French ship sank off Hartlepool. Wrecked in a severe storm. Afterwards the population of Hartlepool found the only survivor on the beach. The ship’s mascot. A monkey. Complete with mini uniform. Not being familiar with monkeys, nor, for that matter Frenchmen the townsfolk decided it was a spy and hung it. Hence the funny nickname the press will use when describing the odds on the Hartlepool by-election.

Typically, this would signal the limits of their interest. Just an excuse to prominently publish the term “monkey hangers”. Hartlepool is a traditionally safe Labour seat. Or at least it was. Now? Not so much. Which is why the odds on the Hartlepool by-election at online sportsbook sites in the UK are front and center ahead of the May 6th vote. After the chasm-creating Brexit vote and subsequent Conservative election victory, Starmer’s big bet on Politics in the UK may not have worked.   

Monkey Hangers May Map Political Landscape 

Since the odds on Labour have languished nationwide. People bet on the Conservatives at the general election and don’t seem inclined to bet on Labour to win anything. Keir Starmer isn’t the breath of fresh air the party needed. According to the rightwing press, and the Conservatives, Labour have lost touch with the working class. Failing to beat their odds on the Hartlepool by-election would thus damage Labour badly. It would highlight severe cracks in the Red Wall.

The fishermen wi’ courage high,

Seized on the monkey for a spy

“Hang him!” says one, says another “He’ll die!”

They did, and they hung the Monkey O! 

The Monkey Song – Ned Corvan – 19th Century 

The last election was Labour’s worst defeat since 1935. The odds on the Hartlepool by-election were always going to reflect that, but right now Labour are losing. Those taking advantage of UK gambling laws to check out the prices will find Keir Starmer’s party only get 6/4 and the Tories 1/2. That’s astonishingly bad news for Keir. So you can expect them to throw everything into winning the seat now. If they retain the seat it’ll give Labour some breathing room. If not…..

Get Your Odds On The Hartlepool By Election At Bet365

One of the problems is Mike Hill. The Labour MP resigned following allegations of bullying and sexual harassment. It’s his absence which triggered the by-election. Alas this sort of thing hardly encourages the more traditional Labour voters to the polls. Luckily for Labour, what will, is Boris Johnson. With Tory scandals brewing there’s every chance the monkey hangers will retain their Labour links. So, just perhaps the odds on the Hartlepool by-election are a little misleading. 

Bet On The Hartlepool By-Election 

• Liberal Democrat Party – 200/1
• Reform UK – 100/1
• Labour Party – 6/4
• Conservatives Party – 1/2  
• See more stats at bet365…

Yes, the odds on the Conservatives show them ahead of Labour, but these people are monkey hangers. You can never be sure what they might do. Hartlepool have never been a good bet on sports in the UK, they make an even worse bet on UK politics. That said there are plenty of decent wagers at Bet365 for those who want to bet on the local elections. Just remember that the big parties see this seat as the weathercock for England’s political landscape moving forward.

Click here to visit the bet365 Sportsbook

We take a look at why the odds on the Hartlepool by-election are drawing more attention than usual.