Scotland are favourites to leave Commonwealth next

SCOTLAND are the 6/1 bookmakers’ favourites to become the next country to leave the Commonwealth.

Scotland are the bookies' favourites to leave the Commonwealth next. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Ladbrokes make Scotland favourites due to the upcoming referendum on independence, despite the fact that Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games next summer.

The bookies’ odds are based on Scotland needing to reapply for membership of the Commonwealth should the country vote Yes next September. Northern Ireland and Wales are 40/1 and 50/1 respectively to become the next country to leave the grouping. The Gambia announced its withdrawal earlier this week.

Jamaica are second favourites at 8/1, with Pakistan third at 10/1. Australia are rated as a 12/1 chance despite the country’s election of staunch monarchist Tony Abbott, while Canada are considered 25/1 outsiders.

Ladbrokes’ Alex Donohue said: “Scotland lead the way in the next to leave the Commonwealth betting as a result of the impending referendum. The head of the betting is all comprised of countries who have considered a breakaway but the market is wide open.”