Earlier this month, there were whispers that Laura Marks was reconsidering whether to seek a second term as vice-president of the Board of Deputies.

Now the Mitzvah Day founder has removed doubts and confirmed she will compete in the May poll, advancing a "positive, collective, outward-facing agenda in these difficult times".

It could be a crowded hustings with some believing that as many as eight candidates could contest the three vice-presidencies. So far four have declared. As well as Ms Marks, a second Reform deputy, employment lawyer Marie van der Zyl, is to stand. A member of the Jewish Leadership Council's leadership training programme Gamechangers, she said it had "made me passionate about wanting to do my bit for the whole community".

Edwin Shuker, vice-chairman of the Board's international division, and Sheila Gewolb, chairman of the Board's fundraising dinner, earlier entered the VP race. Former VPs Jerry Lewis and Flo Kaufmann would not comment on rumours they are thinking of a comeback.