Bishop of Manchester announced as new Deputy Chair of Church Commissioners’ Board of Governors

Bishop David replaces the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, who is retiring from his bishopric in February and who has served as a Commissioner since 1999.

Commenting on the appointment of Bishop David, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "Bishop David's proven experience within the Church Commissioners and Pensions Board demonstrate his skills and expertise. I have every confidence he will lead the Board very ably. I want to thank Bishop Richard, who has been an outstanding Deputy Chair and whose contribution will be missed."

The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said: "It's a great honour to be invited to succeed Bishop Richard Chartres as the Deputy Chair of the Commissioners' Board. The role of the Church Commissioners in supporting the mission and ministry of the Church has never been more crucial. I look forward to working with the Commissioners and staff to ensure that we continue to serve the Church."

Bishop David took up his post as Bishop of Manchester in October 2013, having previously been Bishop of Dudley since 2000. Educated at Manchester Grammar School and King's College Cambridge, he was ordained in 1983. He received his PhD for his work on statistics at the University of Warwick in 2014. During his time as Bishop of Manchester he has also served on the Church of England Pensions Board, the Archbishops' Council RACS Committee, and the Church Commissioners' Board, Assets Committee and Mission and Pastoral Committee.

In his new role, Bishop David will be fully involved in the appointment process of the new First Church Estates Commissioner following the announcement by Sir Andreas Whittam Smith, the incumbent, that he will step down from the role at next year's AGM.