As predicted by the JC two weeks ago, the Lib Dem peeress Baroness Neuberger is set to be the new senior rabbi of the Reform movement’s flagship congregation, the West London Synagogue.

Rabbi Neuberger, 60, who is currently the president of Liberal Judaism, has been unanimously been recommended to succeed Rabbi Mark Winer by West London’s council.

But her appointment must still be confirmed by a ballot of synagogue members.

If she takes the post, it will be her first full-time pulpit since she served as rabbi of South London Liberal Synagogue from 1977 to 1989.

She would become the first female spiritual leader of the synagogue in its 170-year-old history – and the first serving Progressive rabbi to be in the Lords.

Previously the chief executive of the King’s Fund, Rabbi Neuberger has taken a special interest in medical and care issues. Her most recent book was “Not Dead Yet; A Manifesto for Old Age.”