THE Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, today emerged as a possible contender to succeed Dr George Carey as Archbishop of Canterbury, following reports that Dr Carey is likely to announce his retirement this week.

It is believed Dr Carey may leave the post in November, three years before he reaches the formal retirement age of 70, after taking part in the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Dr Hope, England's only other Anglican Archbishop, is only four years younger than Dr Carey, but many sources speculate that he could manage the job well for a maximum of nine years.

But Dr Hope today told the Evening Press: "It is not possible for me to comment on media speculation until Lambeth Palace makes an official announcement.

"I simply hope that in all the speculation that will arise in the future, we will find time to discover God's purposes for the future of the Church."

Dr Hope has previously said he would be unlikely to stand as a successor, despite the fact that many Archbishops of York go on to take the top job.

Having served for five years as Bishop of London, he viewed his appointment to the York seat as a homecoming, and has indicated that he intends to remain here until his own retirement.

But some sources say he is the safest pair of hands for the role, and could even take on a role as "caretaker" Archbishop for a time.

Others believe he could better serve the Church by using his experience to provide support for a new leader.

The speculation follows hot on the heels of the Hurd Commission's report, which said that the workload of the Archbishop of Canterbury could be shared more efficiently, possibly by making the Archbishop of York responsible for home affairs, while his counterpart deals with Anglican matters worldwide.

A spokesman for Dr Carey said: "His Grace will announce his retirement in his own time."

Dr Carey, 66, became the 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury in 1991. His main achievement is thought to have been overseeing the first ordination of women priests in 1994.

Other possible successors include the Bishop of London, the Right Reverend Richard Chartres, and the Pakistan-born Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali.

Dr Nazir-Ali, a respected authority on Christian-Muslim relations, is thought to be Dr Carey's choice.

Others include the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Reverend Rowan Williams, the Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Rev James Jones (a former Bishop of Hull), and the bishops of St Albans, Guildford, Winchester and Chester.

Updated: 11:19 Monday, January 07, 2002