Nigel Farage Next Tory Leader Odds: Controversial figure cut to succeed Sunak

Jungle-bound Nigel Farage is into 33/1 at Betfred to be the next Conservative Leader despite not even being a member of the political party.

The former UKIP and Brexit Party leader, who’s set to appear on highly-popular reality TV show ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ from Sunday, is the surprise mover in the betting to succeed Rishi Sunak, who’s made sweeping changes to his cabinet following the sacking of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.

James Cleverly, the former Foreign Secretary, now holds that position – while his former post has gone to ex-PM David Cameron, who’s return to high office has taken up plenty of column inches already this week.

Cameron is 20/1 at Betfred, which is at the forefront of political punting, to succeed Sunak.

Secretary of State Kemi Badenoch remains our 7/2 favourite ahead of the aforementioned Cleverly (9/2) and Penny Mordaunt (6/1).

Also available at 6/1 is the deposed Braverman, whose exit means she can now campaign as the darling of the right-wing of the Tory party.

Meanwhile, Farage has been supported into third favourite to be King of the Jungle.

He’s behind occasional This Morning presenter and ex-Big Brother winner Josie Gibson (11/4) and Channel 4’s First Dates presenter Fred Sirieix (9/2), but ahead of legendary jockey Frankie Dettori (8/1).

Farage, who’s a 5/1 shot to win the show, admits taking part is a gamble and that he’s out to show he’s not “mean-spirited, small-minded or nasty”.

The fact is, whatever happens the politician’s profile will rise markedly – and should he join the Conservative Party, as has been rumoured after his recent appearance at this year’s conference, the odds on him replacing Sunak will only shorten further.

A Betfred spokesperson said:

“We’ve got two big gambles on here, starting with the Prime Minister hoping his new-look cabinet will be enough to win the next election despite both polls and the odds indicating a Labour victory.

“Then we’ve got Nigel Farage putting himself right in front of the nation, willing to sample whatever’s on offer in the Bushtucker Trials.

“We have reached pivotal moments in London and Australia!”