MARIBYRNONG MP Bill Shorten may have taken a hit with voters, but he could be in line for Australia’s top job, according to bookies.

The ALP powerbroker has been tipped to lead Labor to the next Federal election, with Centrebet listing him as odds on favourite over current Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The betting agency had Mr Shorten listed last week at $2.75, ahead of Ms Gillard on $3.00.

The western suburbs MPs were being backed by punters as clear favourites over NSW MPs Chris Bowen on $7.50 and Greg Combet on $8.50.

But Mr Shorten last week denied he had plans to topple Ms Gillard, vowing to support her, despite the party’s damaging election performance.

“The final result of the election is still unclear, but regardless of the outcome, I believe Julia Gillard is the best person to lead the Labor Party and she has my full support,” Mr Shorten told Star.

The ALP heavyweight retained his hold over Maribyrnong, winning the seat convincingly over Liberal contender Conrad D’Souza.

Mr Shorten pulled 56.25 per cent of the primary vote, a 1.3 per cent swing against him since the last election.

While toasting his own success, which seemed certain as early as 7pm on polling day, Mr Shorten’s party took a beating, with Labor losing the battle in key seats.

But Mr Shorten remained hopeful Labor would lead the country by forming a minority government with the support of independent MPs.