Queen Elizabeth's Poet Pressure

7 months ago 24th Mar 14:00

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is under pressure to appoint the first female poet laureate.

Yorkshire man Simon Armitage is believed to be the favourite to succeed current royal wordsmith Andrew Motion but palace officials are reportedly hoping to appoint a woman.

Carol Ann Duffy - widely regarded as the most accessible living poet - is another popular choice, despite the 55-year-old's alleged reservations about performing royal duties.

A spokesperson for bookmakers William Hill said: "As far as the betting is concerned, we cannot split these two - but they are well clear of the rest of the runners as far as our poetic punters are concerned.

"Duffy would become the first female to hold the role while Armitage is reportedly the favoured choice of Motion."

Carol Ann was second choice behind Andrew last time around. According to rumours, she was not selected because then-Prime Minister Tony Blair was worried about how the public would feel about her sexuality.

As far as the betting is concerned, we cannot split these two - but they are well clear of the rest of the runners as far as our poetic punters are concerned

Her former lover Jackie Kay is also being considered for the post, as is Jo Shapcott, who teaches at London's Royal Holloway College where Andrew is professor of creative writing.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham - an English literature graduate who specialised in poetry - will make the final recommendation to Downing Street and the Queen based on the advice of those in literary circles.

He is hoping to find a candidate who can concentrate on populising the art.

Past poet laureates include William Wordsworth, Alfred Tennyson and John Betjeman.