Bishops Who's in the frame to take the C of E's top job?

Justin Welby's resignation will trigger a search for the 106th archbishop of Canterbury, a role that combines moral and spiritual leadership, ceremonial duties, a seat in the House of Lords, oversight of Anglican churches in more than 160 countries, and the day-to-day management of a large but declining English institution.

- Harriet Sherwood

Justin Welby's resignation will trigger a search for the 106th archbishop of Canterbury, a role that combines moral and spiritual leadership, ceremonial duties, a seat in the House of Lords, oversight of Anglican churches in more than 160 countries, and the day-to-day management of a large but declining English institution.

Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York, is expected to step up to the number one position in the Church of England until a new archbishop of Canterbury can be appointed, a process that will take several months. Many in the church and beyond will be hoping that the successful candidate is a woman or person of colour - or both. So who might be in the running?

Stephen Cottrell
Archbishop of York
Although Cottrell, 66, is popular for his down-to-earth and cheerful approachability and respected for his skill in navigating the thorny issues dividing the C of E, his age is likely to rule him out - even if he wanted the top job. An Essex boy who was educated at a secondary modern and later a polytechnic, he became the archbishop of York in 2020.