WHO will be next to wear the mitre of the Archbishop of York?

That is the question dominating conversation among clergy in churches and cathedrals across the country, as the two contenders were presented to Prime Minister Tony Blair following months of debate.

The 14-strong Crown Nominations Commission has recommended two names for the major appointment at Bishopthorpe Palace, which is normally made in order of preference.

Mr Blair has the power to reject the suggestions and request further submissions, but that would be very rare.

A decision is expected to be made in early July when the Prime Minster commends his choice to the Queen.

The nominations are a closely-guarded secret, but the word on the church aisle is that it is a very close contest between five bishops from across the country - and across the church spectrum.

The replacement for Dr David Hope, who resigned to become a parish priest in Ilkley, is seen as being of major importance to the future of the Church.

It will have a significant impact on the direction of the Church at a time when the gap between its liberal and conservative factions continue to widen.

Red-hot favourite among most religious commentators is the Bishop of Manchester, the Right Rev Nigel McCulloch. He is seen as a traditionalist with evangelical leanings and great flair. He recently added his voice to those calling for a reduction in the time limit for abortions, after seeing images of the developing foetus within the womb.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Rev James Jones, a former Bishop of Hull, is another evangelical tipped for the post, and the Bishop of Leicester, the Right Rev Tim Stephens, is also being mooted as a strong liberal candidate.

The most favoured liberal candidate is believed to be the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Rev John Gladwin, who is viewed in religious circles as a skilled administrator with a formidable intellectual reputation.

But a church source today predicted that the popular Bishop of London, the Right Rev Richard Chartres, should also not be ruled out, despite his reported reluctance to leave the capital.

"There is still a lot of gossip in London that he wouldn't turn it down," the source said.

"It would not be such an unusual step as Dr Hope came down from London to take up the appointment."

Updated: 10:09 Thursday, May 12, 2005