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Bookmaker backs Labor to win poll

Posted on July 8, 2009, 12:12pm

The Labor government has opened a raging $1.10 favourite with leading election bookmaker Centrebet to retain power next year, with the Liberal Party under new leader Isobel Redmond now a long $6.25 outsider.

Centrebet media chief and political analyst Neil Evans said the struggling Liberals had clawed back some ground under Martin Hamilton-Smith, but this had evaporated after the “dodgy documents” scandal and leadership struggle.

“It has been a savage blow twofold, not just because Hamilton-Smith had been a strong leader at a time when the SA Liberals had lost key electoral ground, but also his demise opened up a reportedly fragmented party,” Mr Evans said.

“In key regional voting areas, the Liberals have suffered a disastrous swing, and right now there seems to be a general public acceptance of the government’s performance from both sides of voting politics.

“Ms Redmond has created her own piece of history becoming the first female to lead a major SA political party, but her assignment is immense.”

The SA Liberals need to win at least 10 seats at the next election to form a government.

Ms Redmond won the leadership ballot by 13 votes to nine against former deputy leader Vickie Chapman and South East MP Mitch Williams.

Steven Griffiths defeated Mr Williams by 8 votes to 6 in the ballot of Lower House MPs for deputy leadership.

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Comments

One Response to “Bookmaker backs Labor to win poll”

  1. Jason on July 8th, 2009 3:49 pm 1

    The Liberals under Redmond will do better, I think that’s a good choice. Pity I can’t say the same about Steve Perryman ;)

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