Mitchell favourite to become next EU Commissioner

The former Conservative party Chief Whip, Andrew Mitchell, is the hot favourite to replace Baroness Cathy Ashton according to Ladbrokes. The bookies have installed Mitchell as the overwhelming 2/1 favourite at the head of a book of seasoned political heavyweights, with Owen Paterson (4/1) and John Cridland (5/1) deemed his most likely opposition.

Nick Clegg isn't ruled out for a trip to Brussels at 16/1 while it's 50/1 David Miliband returns to fill the vacancy. Unsurprisingly, Nigel Farage is the 200/1 outsider. Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: "We've got a strong suspicion Mitchell will be lined up for the EU job. Should he miss out, the betting suggests Paterson or Cridland will benefit." He added: "We'll gladly accommodate anyone who wants to back Farage to fill the void."

Ladbrokes latest betting. Next UK EU Commissioner:

• 2/1 Andrew Mitchell
• 4/1 Owen Paterson
• 5/1 John Cridland
• 8/1 Michael Fallon
• 16/1 Nick Clegg
• 16/1 Peter Lilley
• 16/1 David Willetts
• 16/1 Francis Maude
• 16/1 Andrew Lansley
• 20/1 William Hague
• 25/1 Theresa Villiers
• 33/1 Daniel Hannan
• 50/1 Douglas Carswell
• 50/1 David Miliband
• 66/1 Boris Johnson
• 100/1 Ed Balls
• 100/1 Nadine Dorries
• 200/1 Nigel Farage