Sir Philip Hampton lined up to take RBS chair - papers

Last night, the appointment had yet to be rubber-stamped by the RBS board and remained uncertain. People close to the bank said it could be announced within the next week, although they warned that it could be delayed or that Sir Philip could still turn the job down. The RBS directors conducting the search to replace Sir Tom McKillop have compiled a list of alternative candidates in case Sir Philip's appointment falls through. The alternatives are understood to have included Sir Keith Whitson, the former chief executive of HSBC. Gordon Brown, the prime minister, had also sounded out Mer...