Dame Sarah is named as Archbishop

Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Dame Sarah Mullally poses in the St Anselm Chapel in Canterbury Cathedral, Kent, following the announcement that she will be the 106th archbishop of Canterbury

- GARETH FULLER/PA WIRE

THE first woman to be named Archbishop of Canterbury has told of her joy in making history as she paid tribute to those who paved the way for the moment.

Dame Sarah Mullally - the first female to take the role of top bishop in the Church of England - also acknowledged the challenges ahead due to the “legacy of deep harm and mistrust” she said existed because of past safeguarding failures.

She is the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, having been chosen to succeed Justin Welby after he announced his resignation almost a year ago over failures in handling an abuse scandal.

Dame Sarah's appointment was welcomed by the King and the Prime Minister after she was chosen by a committee following a months-long process.