REPORTS that Rowan Williams will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury are said to be "informed speculation".

Dr Williams, the Archbishop of Wales, has always been a frontrunner, along with the Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali.

A national newspaper claimed that an announcement would be made in the second half of July and that Dr Williams had been selected as the first choice of the Crown Appointments Commission after a two-day meeting in Surrey.

His name was said to be the first of two names - Dr Nazir-Ali's being the other - being submitted to Prime Minister Tony Blair by William Chapman, his appointments secretary. The Queen will then approve his choice.

A Lambeth Palace spokesman said: "Downing Street publishes a name when the whole process is completed. Until then it is pure speculation."

Canon Alan Duke, the diocesan press officer said: "It's speculation at the moment. It's unlikely that an announcement is imminent."

Meanwhile, bookmakers William Hill have suspended betting.

Spokesman, Graham Sharp said: "Until it is confirmed that Dr Williams is the first choice and we know who the other recommended name on the shortlist is we are unable to re-open our book."

Hills had made the Bishop of London 11/4 third favourite with the Bishop of London at 3/1 and the Bishop of St Albans 13/2, ahead of the Bishop of Exeter at 12/1.