A bill aimed at improving the gender balance of bishops in the House of Lords has successfully passed the upper chamber and is now headed to the Commons. The Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension Bill) seeks to increase female representation in the House of Lords. 

Currently, bishops are appointed based on seniority, with five of the 26 seats reserved for the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and the Bishops of London, Durham, and Winchester.

The remaining 21 seats are filled by the longest-serving diocesan bishops. This new bill aims to change that system, ensuring experienced and senior female bishops are fairly represented. 

Since women were allowed to become bishops in the Church of England in 2014, legislation has given female bishops priority over longer-serving male bishops, reflecting their limited time in office.

Initially set to last until 2025, this arrangement is now being extended to 2030 at the Church of England’s request, as women still hold only six of the 26 Lords’ Spiritual seats.

The bill will now move to the House of Commons for further debate. If it passes all stages, it will receive Royal Assent and become law.

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