Much whispering behind the Ionic columns of the British Museum about who will take over as its new chair. Niall FitzgGerald is due to step down as chairman of the board of trustees in the spring after eight years. So who is in the running?
The most interesting candidate seems to be Baroness Wheatcroft, the former journalist who has served on the board since 2010. If chosen she will be the first woman to take charge at the museum but she faces competition from others including Lord Sassoon. Sources say, however, that one name is out of the frame: Dame Liz Forgan has apparently expressed no desire to take on the role. Both Dame Liz and Baroness Wheatcroft, sworn to secrecy, were unable to comment.
Whoever takes over will have a challenge: to find a replacement for Neil MacGregor. He has been director of the museum for the past 13 years — but at 67 he can’t go on forever, however excellent he may be.
