from The Jewish Chronicle (London):

Race to succeed Lord Sacks in 2013 hots up

The United Synagogue president, Stephen Pack, has said that applications to be chief rabbi were still being accepted despite the March 5 deadline specified in an advertisement for the job.

The first round of interviews is due to take place in May. Mr Pack would not disclose the number of applicants so far, while those involved in the recruitment process have had to sign confidentiality pledges to protect the identity of candidates.

Within the UK rabbinate, a strong body of support is emerging for Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis of Finchley Synagogue to become the next Chief.