THE identity of the new Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports could be revealed within the next two weeks.

It follows speculation that former Lord Chancellor, Derry Irvine, has been added to a shortlist drawn up by the Government.

Prince Andrew is seen as another strong contender. Other names mentioned have been Nelson Mandela, John Major, Bill Clinton and Prince Charles.

Speaker of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports, Cllr Phil Scott, has confirmed that Downing Street had on Friday, June 18. That was deadline given by the tired-of-waiting mayors of the Cinque Ports who threatened to descend on No 10 if they didn't get an announcement.

"We made our concerns, frustration and anger clear to Downing Street and told them we would be sending a delegation if an announcement was not made by June 18," added Cllr Scott.

"The confederation's joint solicitor had a call from William Chapman at Downing Street assuring us that things have moved on and some of the reasons for the delay have now been resolved," Cllr Scott said. "It seems they have a name in the frame."