: I had agreed with this statement in the past, but now I'm not so sure. Saruman certainly had the greatest knowledge of Sauron, which is just reason for him to lead the counsel, but I'm not sure he was the greatest of the Istari even when he was "pure". Maybe he had more "magic" and could do more with fire, etc (though that's doubtful about the fire, Gandalf was a master of it). But I think it could be seen that Gandalf was going to be the greater by the wise. Varda see's it before the Istari even set out from Valinor (Manwë says Olorin will be the third chosen, Varda says, "not the third"). Círdan see's it as well when he gives the ring to Gandalf. Maybe Saruman would have toasted Gandalf in one on one combat, but I think it was somewhat apparent that Gandalf was the greater leader.

Presumably Galadriel could also see this, as why would she not prefer Gandalf over Saruman.