One candidate thrown up by the rumour mill for Board of Deputies president next year has scotched the suggestion. Milah UK co-chairman, and former United Synagogue president, Simon Hochhauser says he is too busy to consider the role.

The race to replace Vivian Wineman is nonetheless set to be keenly contested with four of the Board’s honorary officers all eligible to stand: VPs Laura Marks, Alex Brummer, Jonathan Arkush and treasurer Laurence Brass.

But as for the proposed merger of Board and Jewish Leadership Council, it is now looking increasing unlikely that any marriage will be consummated before the Board elections.