Merseyside's Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe _320
The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel of MPA members.
Their recommendation, combined with representations by London mayor Boris Johnson and his policing deputy Kit Malthouse, will then go forward to the Home Office.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will interview one or two candidates before making a final recommendation to the Queen. The appointment is expected to be made in the spring.
Mr Hogan-Howe has received plaudits for his work cracking down on knife and gun crime on Merseyside. The successful prosecution this week of Sean Mercer, over the high-profile murder of Rhys Jones, is also likely to boost his claim.
Bookmaker William Hill installed Sir Hugh as the favourite to succeed Sir Ian, with the odds set at even money.
Sir Paul Stephenson is now 6/4 second favourite, followed by Bernard Hogan- Howe at 5/1 and Sir Paul Scott-Lee the outsider at 10/1.
CHIEF CRISIS: PAGE 12
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