Howard Morris is the new favourite to become chief executive of Denton Wilde Sapte, as it emerges that two leading contenders are now unlikely to stand.

Energy, transport and infrastructure head Chris McGee-Osborne this week ruled himself out, while insiders suggest early frontrunner Martin Kitchen – the non-executive director who resigned from his role consulting on Dentons’ management structure to avoid a conflict of interest – has now indicated his reluctance to stand.