Books give Lib Dems 4-1 to take Ashfield

The Political Bookie, Ladbrokes’ political odds desk, has given prospective parliamentary candidate Jason Zadrozny odds of 4 - 1 on taking the seat from incumbent MP Gloria De Piero, who gained a majority of just 192 votes at the 2010 election.

The tipster, who gave Ms De Piero odds of 1 - 5 on holding the seat, said: “It might seem extremely improbable that the Lib Dems could gain a Labour seat in the current circumstances but, if there is to be one, this could be it.

“The local party did an incredible job getting so close in 2010 and, based on the betting we’ve seen, have not given up hope here.”

Mr Zadrozny, who is also group leader on Ashfield District and Nottinghamshire county councils, is on confident form. He said: “We are going to walk it. As long as we don’t take it for granted and work hard we should be OK.

“I think it’s quite interesting for him to say that. All the other seats picked are Tory seats.”

Mr Zadrozny said campaigning started about three months ago.

“We’re knocking on 1,000 doors a day,” he said. “There are certain bits of Ashfield that are very Labour, some that are very Lib Dem and some that are battlegrounds. There are lots of factors at play.”

The BBC has also picked as Ashfield as one of three seats they will be monitoring over the coming months.

Discussing the way his party is perceived at a national level, Mr Zadrozny said: ““One in 100 people mention Nick Clegg. Most people aren’t bothered about the national picture.”

He said he would campaign on local issues and use his powers as an MP to push for improved leisure facilities.

Gloria De Piero said; “I’m far too busy working hard for my constituents to be looking at betting odds but since it was brought it to my attention I have to say I am chuffed to see that I’m odds on favourite to win at the next General Election but I certainly won’t take it for granted and my aim is to continue working just as hard as I have done since the day I was elected.”