Bookies pay out early on a Boris Johnson victory

A bookmakers is paying out early on a victory for Boris Johnson in tomorrow's mayoral election.

Paddy Power says that it's "waved the chequered flag" after Boris Johnson became a "1/12 winner".

In the 24 hours before they began the pay-out, 94% of money taken was for the Conservative candidate.

The company will also refund all outright bets on Brian Paddick, after taking just 12 wagers on the Liberal Democrat candidate.

Spokesman Darren Haines said: "The betting suggests Boris is returning to City Hall. People might say one thing in opinion polls but they are rarely anything but brutally honest when parting with their own hard-earned cash."

But the bookmakers haven't always made the right call. Back in February, they paid out early on Harry Redknapp becoming the next England manager.

In total, there are seven candidates running in the election for Mayor of London on May 3rd.

In the order that they will appear on the ballot paper, they are:

Siobhan Benita (Independent)

Carlos Cortiglia (BNP)

Boris Johnson (Conservative)

Jenny Jones (Green)

Ken Livingstone (Labour)

Brian Paddick (Liberal Democrat)

Lawrence James Webb (UKIP)