Michael Howard's decision to reform the lengthy voting system for electing the new Conservative leader before stepping down - presumably to reassert the voice of Tory MPs as opposed to the "blue-rinse brigade" who imposed the hapless Iain Duncan Smith on the party - has done little to alter the odds of the frontrunners.
The sole scalp claimed by the Liberal Democrats' unsuccessful "decapitation strategy", Tim Collins, is obviously out of the running, but the bookies are still predicting a three horse race between frontrunners David Davis (5-2 with William Hill), Liam Fox (11-2), and returning grandee Malcolm Rifkind (6-1). Just behind is that retread from the Major years, Ken Clarke (14-1 and, despite his age, said to be a figure Labour fear, and just tipped by Sky's usually well-informed Adam Boulton). Outside bets are available on Alan Duncan (25-1), Andrew Lansley (20-1), David Cameron (12-1) and Oliver Letwin (16-1). The first woman on the list is Theresa May, rebounding from a big increase in her Maidenhead majority, at 25-1.
William Hague is at 16-1 for the leadership, although if it was on offer, I would be tempted to put a flutter on his return to the shadow cabinet.
