Bishop of Durham: The candidates

The Bishop of Norwich The Rt Rev Graham James (right) with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Credit: Chris Radburn/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The new Bishop of Durham is expected to be announced today.

The Queen will choose the new Bishop, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. By tradition, the PM accepts the first of two names submitted by a Crown Nominations Commission.

Here are some of the bookmakers' early favourites to succeed Justin Welby, who left the post earlier this year to become Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bishop of Norwich

The Rt Rev Graham James, the Bishop of Norwich, is the current favourite at odds of 5-1. The 62-year-old has been a priest since 1976 and joined the House of Lords in 2004.

Bishop of Chester

Rt Rev Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester Credit: Diocese of Chester

The Rt Rev Peter Forster, the Bishop of Chester, is another candidate being tipped for Durham's top job. The 63-year-old caused controversy in 2003 when he reportedly suggested homosexuals should seek psychiatric treatment.

Bishop of Newcastle

Rt. Revd. Martin Wharton, Bishop of Newcastle Credit: Diocese of Newcastle

The Rt Rev Martin Wharton, Bishop of Newcastle, has also been touted for the Church of England's fourth most senior post. The 69-year-old became Bishop of Newcastle in 1997 and is a former Durham University student.