Never mind Westminster: election fever is already mounting in Chancery Lane, with Monday’s deadline for council members to put themselves forward as candidate to be the Society’s next deputy vice-president.

In theory, any council member can put themselves forward by submitting a 250-word ‘statement and disclosure of information’. However, it is highly unlikely that 80-odd candidates will emerge.

So far, Obiter knows of only one definite. Derek French, council representative for Birmingham and District, stood unsuccessfully in 2006. As a former contestant on Mastermind, the Krypton Factor and Telly Addicts, French (pictured) is no stranger to the spotlight. ‘I am going to have a real blitz at it this time and will give it all my efforts,’ he said.

One probable candidate is Andrew Caplen, representative for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Another former contender, Tim O’Sullivan, representative for Dorset, has ruled himself out.

Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, West London, seems to be playing the enigmatic card: ‘I’ve not made my mind up; probably not.’

After closure of nominations, hustings will be held on 10 March, with ballot papers and candidate statements despatched to council members on 12 March.

The deadline for voting is 4pm on 9 April, with the count not until 15 April.

Obiter presumes the papers will be under 24-hour guard during those six days. The result will be announced to the council on 16 April.