Following the latest revelations in a number of Sunday newspapers, bookmakers William Hill have temporarily suspended the betting on John Prescott leaving his position before the end of May . Hills spokesman Rupert Adams said, "Prescott was backed down from 5/1 to 8/11 before we suspended the betting and we have decided to wait until the end of the holiday period before re-opening the betting, by which time we should have a better idea of how the land lies." Hills offer 4/6 for Charles Clarke to be gone by the end of May with Patricia Hewitt is 5/2 to have lost her job by then.

**Meanwhile, the odds about the Tories winning the next General Election have shortened from 11/10 to Even money - the shortest odds they have been since they lost power - while Labour have lengthened from 4/6 to 8/11 - the longest they have been since they came to power.