Is Alan Johnson a good bet for Labour leader?
One leading bookmaker is offering odds of 10/1 against Alan Johnson becoming the next leader of the Labour Party, making the Hull West and Hessle MP third favourite in the race to succeed Gordon Brown.
So if I were a betting man would I consider this a good bet?
The simple answer is no. The main reason being that the Home Secretary has given no indication that he is interested in the 'top job'.
Many political commentators believe he will support David Miliband's bid to become leader in a contest that is likely to pitch the 'Blairites' behind Mr Miliband and the 'Brownites' behind Gordon Brown's long time ally Ed Balls.
However, there is one factor that could count in Alan Johnson's favour. He is an enthusiastic advocate of proposals to change the voting system - a factor which looks like a deal-breaker for whichever party is to secure the support of the Liberal Democrats in Government.
So don't write-off AJ just yet. But the odds look stacked against this former postman delivering victory in a Labour leadership race.
I'm Tim Iredale, the BBC's Political Editor in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and presenter of the regional Politics Show. This is strictly a "no-spin" zone where the political viewpoint is more Humber Bridge than Westminster Bridge. Your comments and observations are more than welcome. 
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