Who wants to be poet laureate?

5:00AM Sunday July 20, 2008 By Emily Dugan Three of the leading contenders to be Britain's first female poet laureate have ruled themselves out of contention for the post. The ancient role, currently held by Andrew Motion and remunerated by 630 bottles of Spanish sherry, is due to be reappointed next year. But hopes that the 10-year tenure, whose previous incumbents have included Ted Hughes and John Betjeman, could go to a woman look set to be dashed. Almost none of Britain's leading female poets are interested in the position. Wendy Cope, who had previously been a favourite for the role, has poured scorn on it, saying that she "never wanted" to be laureate. "Personally I feel it is an archaic post and means nothing. It's simply not important," she said. "It comes from the media, this idea of writing royal poems," added Cope,... [read full story]