A TOP betting website has tipped the Lib Dems to take Wanstead from Labour at the general election

The damage done to Labour by Harry Cohen's involvement in the expenses scandal combined with the Lib Dems recent poll bounce could see the seat change hands for the first time since it was created in 1997 - according to the Betfair site.

Expert Paul Krishnamurty claims an upset is more than likely, and has given the Lib Dems odds of five-to-two to take the constituency on Thursday, May 6.

He said: "This is exactly the type of constituency where the Lib Dems were already thriving, long before this recent dramatic surge.

"As the Tories have vacated the inner cities, and the bankrupt Labour Party is shorn of resources and popularity, the third party has stepped into the void.

"I can report that the Lib Dems are continuously active in this part of London, which along with their opposition to the Iraq war, enabled them to overtake the Tories last time.

"Things have gone from bad to worse for Labour here ever since, with outgoing MP Harry Cohen investigated by police over his expenses claims.

"These alone were strong reasons to fancy an upset even before last Thursday's debate turned this election on its head.

"Now, Leyton and Wanstead is transformed from being a plausible upset to an obvious gain."