NIGEL Evans has been made a surprise outside bet to become Tory leader as Iain Duncan Smith fights for his job.

The Ribble Valley MP has been given odds of 50/1 by bookmakers Ladbrokes to win the top job if IDS is forced out.

The Shadow Welsh Secretary is given the same chance of leading the Conservatives into the next election as former Prisons Minister Ann Widdecombe and Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary Tim Yeo.

But he's far behind the favourites, Shadow Chancellor Michael Howard ( who comes in at between 3/1 and 5/1 on various bookies odds), Shadow Deputy Prime Minister David Davis (9/2 to 9/4), Tory chairman Theresa May (5/1), Shadow Home Secretary Oliver Letwin and former Chancellor Ken Clarke (both 6/1).

However neither Mr Evans nor Burnley Labour MP Peter Pike have any intention of putting their money on his chances of sudden promotion.

This is despite the good news that he is comfortably ahead of the dead Victorian Tory Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (300/1) and former Health Minister and MP Edwina Currie - who had an affair with John Major - who only manages a miserable 500/1.

And he's not that far behind modernisers' favourite Michael Portillo, who manages just 25/1.

Mr Evans said: "While I am chuffed by the fact that I have even been put in the frame by Ladbrokes, there is no vacancy.

"If there was to be a vacancy I would urge people not to put their money on me and certainly not their shirts. I certainly won't be betting on myself. I can't afford to waste the money. But what is important now is that all Tory MPs and activists rally behind Iain Duncan Smith as leader." Mr Pike said: "I won't be putting my money on Nigel.

"I'm backing Iain Duncan Smith as he's the best bet to ensure Labour wins the next General Election.''

Former Labour chief whip Nick Brown said: "Nigel is worth a punt - he couldn't do a worse job than Iain Duncan Smith."

Form Guide:

MICHAEL HOWARD: Early favourite but his black coat reminds punters too much of previous Tory hopefuls who faded in the last furlong.

DAVID DAVIES: Many keen punters' favourite as something of a dark horse coming up on the rails but may run too far to the right.

MICHAEL PORTILLO: When a colt was considered to be a natural winner but now tends to wander from side to side of the course.

KEN CLARKE: Another former favourite who now carries too much weight, is too old and tends to run on the unfavourable left.

NIGEL EVANS: Looks good but considered a lightweight without stamina. More suitable for Chepstow in the wet than Westminster.

THERESA MAY: Lively filly who is well shod but it considered to lack the final pace to cross the winning tape.

OLIVER LETWIN: Extravagently-maned stallion who looks good but is considered more suitable for dressage than racing.