Labour has held Walsall North since the 1970s and is predicted to do so again, with pollsters saying the rise of UKIP is harming the Tories.
Labour’s David Winnick is 4/1 on with William Hill and Paddy Power to win in the 2015 General Election, and 3/1 on with Ladbrokes. The former London councillor has held the seat since 1979.
Standing against him for the Conservatives is Douglas Hansen-Luke, who is considered the biggest challenger. However, William Hill makes him a 6/1 chance, Paddy Power puts him at 5/1 and Ladbrokes at 4/1.
Elizabeth Hazell is standing for UKIP and William Hill and Paddy Power put her at 5/1 with Ladbrokes at 6/1.
The Liberal Democrats are considered major outsiders at between 150/1 and 100/1.
Lord Ashcroft’s poll into Walsall North suggests the Conservatives have lost significant ground because of the rise of UKIP.
In the 2010 General Election, the Tories were three points shy of Labour, which secured the seat with 37 per cent of the vote. A poll last May shows Labour has held firm but the Tories have lost major ground, with a fall to 21 per cent, while UKIP is projected to finish second in the race with 30 per cent.
All odds are subject to change and were correct at the time this story was written.
We have used all photographs we were able to find from our archives and sourcing online.
