Yardley is perhaps Birmingham’s most interesting seat, with most commentators predicting a close race between John Hemming and Jess Phillips.

And the bookies are no different, with both Ladbrokes and William Hill making both around 5/6.

Liberal Democrat Mr Hemming secured the seat with almost 40 per cent of the vote last time round but the bookies believe it will be closer this time.

It was a Labour sear until 2005, held by Estelle Morris, and the bookies believe Ms Phillips is in with a reasonable chance of securing it.

Conservative Arun Photay, on the other hand, is 100/1 with Ladbrokes and 80/1 with William Hill. UKIP is a 50/1 chance according to Ladbrokes.

Lord Ashcroft’s poll into Birmingham Yardley suggests Labour are eating into Mr Hemming’s lead, but he still holds one.

Mr Hemming secured 40 per cent of the vote in 2010, against Labour’s 32 per cent. An Ashcroft poll in November showed a swing to Labour with Lim Dems predicted to secure 34 per cent compared to Labour’s 31 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.