The biggest surprise of the Board of Deputies presidential election so far has been the decision of senior-vice president Laura Marks not to contest it.

The Mitzvah Day founder was expected to try to become only the Board's second female president.

But now rumour has been going round that Ms Marks might bow out altogether and not even seek a second term as vice-president.

When asked about it this week, she opted for cryptic silence rather than squelch speculation.

Meanwhile, it remains a two-horse race for the presidency between her fellow vice-presidents Jonathan Arkush and Alex Brummer, although there is still plenty of time for other candidates to come forward before the May poll.