A not so sure bet

Oxford University has not ruled out appointing an insider as vice-chancellor, despite speculation that its selection committee would follow Cambridge's lead by looking abroad. But a well-placed source in the dreaming spires poured cold water on the prospects of its pro vice-chancellor and principal of Somerville College, Dame Fiona Caldicott, and of Michael Beloff QC, president of Trinity College. The post will become vacant next year when Sir Colin Lucas leaves. A selection committee has employed headhunters for the first time in Oxford's history to find a successor.