At least 60 people apply to head UK government climate crisis advisory body

Patrick Vallance and Laura Sandys believed to be candidates for one of most senior climate policy jobs

At least 60 people have applied to be the next chair of the Committee on Climate Change, with the government planning to appoint a new head in November, the Guardian has learned.

Several of the most likely candidates for the role - one of the most senior jobs in the field of UK climate policy - have been ruled out or ruled themselves out.