MPC doves in the ascendant

DeAnne Julius

Former chief economist at British Airways, - the sole woman on the MPC - is widely seen as "industry's friend". She has, to date, been the most doveish of the MPC members, and has been arguing the case for lower UK interest rates since May. An American citizen, Ms Julius, 49, was formerly an economic analyst for the CIA.

Willem Buiter

Dutch-born professor at Cambridge University, Willem Buiter was until September the most hawkish MPC member, having voted more times for a rate rise than anyone else. In September he voted - with Ms Julius - for an immediate 0.25-point cut. Insiders describe Professor Buiter, 49, as a "policy activist" who opposes the "wait and see" approach favoured by many on the MPC.