] US secretary of state Colin Powell is the main candidate
] to be the next American ambassador to London, the Evening
] Standard has learned.
]
] Mr Powell is widely expected to step down from his
] current post after the presidential elections in
] November.
]
] It is understood President Bush, if re-elected, may use
] the offer of the ambassadorship, one of the most
] sought-after diplomatic postings, to ease the departure
] of Mr Powell, 67.