Vacancy in See - we have a new Bishop of Leeds!

We have a new Bishop of Leeds! The new Bishop of Leeds will be the Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, it was announced by the Prime Minister's office after the King approved his nomination for election.

Bishop Toby will be the second Bishop of Leeds, following the retirement of the Rt Revd Nick Baines in November 2025. He has served as Area Bishop of Bradford in the Diocese since 2014 and has been Acting Bishop of Leeds since Bishop Nick's retirement.

Bishop Toby said: "I have a deep sense of joy and longing. Joy to have been called to serve as Bishop of Leeds in this glorious Diocese that I've grown to love over the last twelve years. Joy to be working with such a rich diversity of churches and cathedrals, schools and chaplaincies, faith and community partners, businesses, institutions and statutory services filled with faithful and creative people working in often challenging contexts. Joy to be part of such a committed and talented diocesan staff team.

"But also longing. Longing for us all to experience more and more of God's abundant love in Jesus transforming our lives, our homes and our communities."

During the autumn, Bishop Toby will be elected to the role of Diocesan Bishop of Leeds following a joint meeting of the Cathedral Colleges of Canons in Ripon and his election will be confirmed by the Archbishop of York at York Minster. Three services of welcome and installation will follow at Bradford Cathedral, Ripon Cathedral and Wakefield Cathedral. From September onwards, Bishop Toby will be undertaking a programme of visits to meet and listen to people from churches, organisations and communities around the Diocese.

To mark the announcement, Bishop Toby climbed Great Whernside, one of the highest points in the diocese, from where there is a view right across this vast, varied and wonderful region. Hear from him on the mountain below!

Find out more here.

Please see a timeline of the process below.

The Vacancy in See Process

Our Vacancy in See committee created of our Statement of Needs and were involved in the election of six diocesan representatives to the Crowns Nomination Commission. 

The Statement of Needs gives a descriptive overview of our diocese, covering the breadth and depth of our diverse and varied region, and a statement setting out the desired profile and qualities of our new Bishop.

This can be read below, or a PDF can be downloaded here.

Our six diocesan representatives elected to the Crown Nomination Commission (CNC) are:

• Revd Canon Paul Cartwright
• Revd Canon Rachel Firth
• Canon Professor Joyce Hill
• Ven Dr Andrew Jolley
• Mr Hugh Lorimer
• Canon Zahida Mallard

The CNC is responsible for identifying and recommending candidates for the role of diocesan bishop. It includes six diocesan representatives, six members from General Synod, the Archbishops or their representatives, and the two appointments secretaries. The CNC met multiple times to develop the role profile, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews.

Prayer resources

Prayer has been central to the growth and development of our diocese, and needs to remain so as we commit ourselves to being open to God’s sustained calling and our continued transformation.  

Our prayer resources are provided to prompt, encourage and help all of us – all expressions of Church within the diocese - to pray through this time of transition. Our set of Vacancy in See Prayer Resources are now available here.

What happens during a vacancy in see?

The process of appointing a diocesan bishop involves both the diocese and national Church of England bodies. It is a long, significant and prayer-filled journey to ensure the right person is chosen. The process is governed by the Vacancy in See Regulations 2024, and is designed to ensure transparency, consultation, and discernment in choosing a new Bishop of Leeds.

The process includes the Vacancy in See Committee, a group all dioceses are required to have and that operates when the role of diocesan bishop goes into vacancy.

Our committee has 41 members, including five bishops, our three cathedral deans, two archdeacons, 18 members of General Synod, the Chairs of the Houses of Clergy and Laity in Diocesan Synod, two members of elected clergy, and nine members of elected laity.

Bishop Toby is Chair, while Canon Professor Joyce Hill serves the committee as Vice-Chair. Jonathan Wood, Diocesan Secretary, acts as Secretary to the Committee.  

A full list of members of the committee can be seen here.

Our Vacancy in See Committee

Our Vacancy in See Committee worked in three subgroups, covering the important areas of prayer, consultation and the Statement of Needs.

The Prayer Group is being led by the Very Revd John Dobson, Dean of Ripon, and is looking at how to continue to encourage, resource and facilitate prayer to cover the whole process.

The Consultation Group was being led by Canon Jane Evans and the Ven Bill Braviner, Archdeacon of Halifax, and worked on creating the opportunity for everyone across the diocese to have their say on what the diocese needs. When the consultation concluded, the many thoughts, opinions and valuable input it produced were included in the Statement of Needs.

The Statement of Needs Group was being led by Canon Professor Joyce Hill, and developed the document which explains the joys, hope and challenges for the diocese, reflecting what was heard in the consultation.

Vacancy in See Committee members