By Peter Douglas
BOOKMAKERS have placed Casey MP Tony Smith as a clear favourite to take over Bronwyn Bishop’s position as Speaker in the House of Representatives, with odds shortening again this morning.
Betting firm Sportsbet has again tweaked its offering for Mr Smith, placing him at odds of just $2 to take up the top post.
Yesterday, Mr Smith had been listed as $3, then $2.35.
This news comes as Mr Smith officially put his hat in the ring to take over the role, along with fellow Victorian Liberal MP Russell Broadbent.
Media reports have highlighted communications regarding the role have taken place between Mr Smith and his parliamentary colleagues.
At present, the next best bet is SA MP Andrew Southcott ($7), who has overtaken Gipplsand-based MP Russell Broadbent, who has gone out to $8.50.
Meanwhile, Philip Ruddock ($7.5) has also entered into calculations, at least among the punting fraternity.
Among the other names bandied around include Federal Member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, who is at $34 for the role.
Outsiders include Greens favourite Adam Bandt ($101), while Clive Palmer ($251) would seem an unlikely replacement for Ms Bishop.
The vacant role for the plumb job comes after a controversy-filled past few weeks, during which former speaker Bronwyn Bishop announced her resignation following an expenses scandal.
More to come.
