Former Cabinet Secretary Lord O'Donnell hints he could enter race to replace Bank of England Governor Sir Mervyn King Responding to speculation that he could throw his hat into the ring to succeed Sir Mervyn King as governor of the Bank of England, Britain's former Cabinet Secretary admitted to more than a passing interest in the role. Lord O'Donnell suggested he could apply to replace Sir Mervyn when the governor's second five-year term comes to an end in June next year. "The post will be advertised in due course and I think between now and the time it is advertised I will have to make up my mind on that question, but I certainly haven't come to a decision yet," he told the BBC. Lord O'Donnell - who as Sir Gus O'Donnell was referred to by civil servants as "GOD" owing to his initials - has been mentioned in Westminster as a contender for the job. An economist by training, the former civil servant has represented the UK internationally at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Paul Tucker, the current deputy governor of the Bank of England, is still seen by many as the most likely replacement for Sir Mervyn.