From MI5 to Canterbury: Lord Evans of Weardale to Lead Selection of New Archbishop of Canterbury

In a striking move blending national security with ecclesiastical leadership, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appointed Lord Evans of Weardale, former head of MI5, as the chair of the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC). Tasked with selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Evans brings decades of leadership experience from his 33-year tenure in the Security Service, where he served as director general from 2007 to 2013. Beyond his intelligence career, he has made his mark as a crossbench member of the House of Lords, chairing the Committee on Standards in Public Life from 2018 to 2023, and serving his local parish church with quiet dedication.

The selection of a new Archbishop follows Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation, set to take effect on January 6th, 2025. Welby’s decision comes in the wake of a review scrutinising his handling of historic abuse cases. As the CNC begins its discreet process—accepting public nominations but foregoing published shortlists or hustings—Lord Evans is poised to guide this pivotal appointment with integrity and gravitas. The announcement of the next Archbishop is anticipated in autumn 2025, marking a significant chapter for the Church of England as it navigates leadership transitions amidst spiritual and institutional challenges.