London Mayoral Election 2021: Latest Betting Odds and Candidate Overview
Lead image sources: ChabadLubavitch/Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Twitter/CountBinface, Twitter/ShaunBaileyUK
Overview: The 2021 Mayoral Contest in London
After being postponed for a year, London’s much-anticipated mayoral election is set for May 6, 2021. Residents of the capital will choose from a field of 20 candidates, with current Mayor Sadiq Khan aiming to secure a second term following his 2016 win. Recent polls suggest Khan is a strong favorite, but UK politics is no stranger to surprising outcomes. As the election draws near, betting interest intensifies, with bookmakers updating odds on who will lead London next.
Latest Betting Odds: Who Are the Favorites?
Bookmakers have already made their predictions for the upcoming election, with some candidates standing out as clear favorites and others viewed as long shots. Here is a summary of the current odds from William Hill for the leading contenders and the rest of the field:
| Candidate | Party/Affiliation | Odds (William Hill) |
|---|---|---|
| Sadiq Khan | Labour | 1/50 |
| Shaun Bailey | Conservative | 20/1 |
| Brian Rose | London Real Party | 33/1 |
| Sian Berry | Green Party | 100/1 |
| Laurence Fox | Reclaim | 100/1 |
| Niko Omilana | Independent | 100/1 |
| Luisa Porritt | Liberal Democrats | 200/1 |
| David Kurten | Heritage Party | 500/1 |
| Kam Balayev | Renew | 500/1 |
| Mandu Reid | Women’s Equality Party | 500/1 |
| Max Fosh | Independent | 500/1 |
| Nims Obunge | Independent | 500/1 |
| Farah London | Independent | 500/1 |
| Piers Corbyn | Let London Live | 500/1 |
| Richard Hewison | Rejoin EU | 500/1 |
| Count Binface | Count Binface for Mayor | 500/1 |
| Peter Gammons | UKIP | 500/1 |
| Vanessa Hudson | Animal Welfare Party | 500/1 |
| Steve Kelleher | Social Democratic Party | 500/1 |
| Valerie Brown | The Burning Pink Party | 500/1 |
Candidates: Profiles and Notable Odds
The candidate list is a mix of established politicians, activists, and media personalities. Here’s what to know about some of the key candidates and their positions in the betting markets:
Sadiq Khan (Labour)
Thank you to the 100 business leaders who have backed my plan to prioritise jobs, jobs, jobs. If re-elected, I’ll never stop banging the drum for jobs and investment into our city – part of my plans for a brighter future for London.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) April 24, 2021
As the current mayor, Sadiq Khan is campaigning for re-election, running on a platform centered around job creation and city investment. Bookies universally regard him as the dominant front-runner, with some platforms offering even longer odds than William Hill’s 1/50.
Shaun Bailey (Conservative)
I spent 20 years as a youth worker helping give young Londoners a fresh start in life. And right now, London needs a fresh start too. Safe streets. Affordable homes. A bigger, better (not bankrupt) transport network. Lower taxes. I have a plan. Watch here to find out more 👇🏿 pic.twitter.com/cIHmEMOUC0
— Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) February 16, 2021
Shaun Bailey is regarded as Khan’s primary challenger. Formerly a youth worker, Bailey’s campaign is built on promises of safer neighborhoods, improved transport infrastructure, and reduced taxes. While his chances are longer, some bookies have suggested he could finish behind other challengers.
Brian Rose (London Real Party)
WE JUST KEEP PUSHING THE LIMIT! Why I Put Everything On Hold To Become Your Next Mayor Of London 🇬🇧 Learn More At https://t.co/JJRIE85HHS & Join Us In Making London A World-Class City Once Again! 🇬🇧🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/RY6ZmPKnum
— Brian Rose (@BrianBRose) April 27, 2021
American-born and with a background in banking and digital media, Brian Rose has surprised the field with relatively short odds from some betting companies, thanks to his media presence and outspoken style.
Sian Berry (Green Party)
If you want green, vote Green. #ITVDebatepic.twitter.com/72wvKNWeQF
— Sian Berry (@sianberry) April 22, 2021
A repeat mayoral contender, Sian Berry focuses her campaign on sustainability and green policies, with odds reflecting an uphill battle for victory.
Laurence Fox (Reclaim)
Known for his work as an actor, Laurence Fox entered the political arena under the Reclaim banner. Some bookmakers are offering more favorable odds on his chances compared to other outsiders.
Niko Omilana (Independent)
i opened a 5 star restaurant on a london bushttps://t.co/xqtcBupJAp pic.twitter.com/WJSp6eKYKN
— NDL Ringside (@NikoOmilana) April 24, 2021
At just 23 years old, YouTuber and social media personality Niko Omilana is the youngest challenger in the race. While seen as a long shot, his online audience gives him unique exposure.
Luisa Porritt (Liberal Democrats)
I’ve just launched my campaign by outlining my plan to take London forward. If you missed it then watch my 60 second version. Want clean air, affordable homes and quality jobs? Then sign up to join my campaign.#Luisa4Londonhttps://t.co/bpQMbyyRQb pic.twitter.com/wFaZFg7MMZ
— Luisa Porritt (@LuisaPorritt) March 16, 2021
Despite representing a major national party, Luisa Porritt is not considered a likely winner according to the main bookmakers’ odds.
Other Candidates in the Race
– David Kurten (Heritage Party): Some differences in odds across bookmakers, but all see Kurten as an outsider.
– Kam Balayev (Renew): Has a professional background in law and business. Bookmakers’ odds vary but remain long.
– Mandu Reid (Women’s Equality Party): Party leader and former civil servant, Reid is more favorably priced at some bookmakers.
– Max Fosh (Independent):
I Am Running To Become The Mayor Of London pic.twitter.com/HH1OuKDArw
— Max Fosh (@max_fosh) March 12, 2021
Online entertainer and former radio host, Fosh is running a campaign targeting younger voters.
– Nims Obunge: Pastor with a focus on tackling knife crime.
– Farah London: Entrepreneur; the name matches the city, but the odds remain long.
– Piers Corbyn (Let London Live): Brother to former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, he remains a significant outsider.
– Richard Hewison (Rejoin EU): Pro-European campaigner.
– Count Binface:
The @PA asked me good questions: Who are your favourite counts? Assuming this isn’t a typo, my favourites are Duckula, Von Count, Dooku and -ing Crows. Your thoughts on polling the same as Laurence Fox? I’m looking up the table, not down. What’s your ambition? Victory! pic.twitter.com/FTCU847euS
— Count Binface (@CountBinface) April 25, 2021
A satirical candidate known for running in previous high-profile elections.
– Peter Gammons (UKIP): UKIP representative with varying odds across platforms.
– Vanessa Hudson (Animal Welfare Party): Campaigning for animal and environmental issues.
– Steve Kelleher (Social Democratic Party): Former Brexit Party member.
– Valerie Brown (The Burning Pink Party): Pledges to abolish the role of Mayor.
Who Is Poised to Win the London Mayoral Election?
With the odds stacked heavily in his favor, Sadiq Khan is the predicted winner by both major bookmakers and polls. His strong lead leaves little doubt, but political surprises can never be entirely ruled out in the UK’s dynamic electoral climate. For those interested in alternative markets, there are options such as betting on Khan’s share of the first preference vote, among others.
While the favorites may dominate the spotlight, the array of independent and protest candidates ensures voters have a broad spectrum of choices on the ballot. Whether seeking political change or placing a speculative wager, the 2021 London mayoral race promises to be intriguing to the finish.
Explore More UK Politics Betting Opportunities
If you’re interested in following more political betting markets in 2021, be sure to explore current and upcoming events for a deeper insight into the latest trends and odds.
