Jonathan Goldstein is set to become the new chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council next month after the second nominee to succeed Sir Mick Davis decided not to stand.

Stephen Pack, who will step down as president of the United Synagogue in July, said his withdrawal had been “a difficult decision”.

There had been hopes among members of the JLC for a first contested election for its leader.

Mr Goldstein, the chairman of the JLC’s education division, Partnerships for Jewish Schools, said he would still require a confirmatory vote by JLC members before he could take office. 

He said he was "excited at the opportunity to share my views with and take questions from JLC members at the hustings later this month and to standing for election in early May."

The chief executive of investment company Cain Hoy, he is a former vice-chairman of Jewish Care. He attended Ilford Jewish Primary School and is a former governor of the independent Kerem School.

Mr Pack, who is celebrating Pesach in Israel, said he had made up his mind after “much discussion” with his family.

It had been “a most difficult decision,” he said, “as I think I am uniquely qualified to take the JLC to a new level with particular emphasis on reaching out to the Charedim and resolving the relationship with the Board of Deputies.”

But he thought the council will be “in good hands with Jonathan Goldstein and there are a number of other charities I wish to concentrate on over the next few years”.

Hustings for the leadership have been planned by the JLC for the week after next.