Final answer:
The question about the deputy governor who took over after Webb requires further context to provide a specific answer as there have been multiple historical figures with the surname Webb in leadership roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) The deputy governor who succeeded Webb was Sir John Bourn. Bourn had been serving as Webb's deputy since 1997.
b) Sir John Bourn took over as the acting governor of the Bank of England in July 2003, following the resignation of Eddie George. However, Bourn's formal appointment as governor was delayed due to a disagreement over the Bank's role in supervising financial institutions. He officially assumed the position of governor on February 1, 2003, and served until June 30, 2003, when he was succeeded by Mervyn King.
Eddie George announced his resignation as governor of the Bank of England in February 2003, effective from July 31, 2003. As per the Bank's Act of 1998, the first deputy governor would become acting governor upon the resignation of the governor until a new governor is appointed.
Therefore, Sir John Bourn became the acting governor in July 2003, and his formal appointment followed soon after. However, there was a delay in his appointment due to disagreements between the Treasury and the Bank over the Bank's role in supervising financial institutions. The issue was eventually resolved, and Bourn was formally appointed as governor on February 1, 2003.