The Archbishop of York has apologised to the Church of England’s General Synod for “unintentionally influencing voting” on who might become a bishop.

Speaking during a debate on changing voting rules for the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) – the group of people who will choose the next Archbishop of Canterbury – he said: “I want to publicly both acknowledge your integrity and commitment and also, if sometimes I have – I would say completely unintentionally – been thought of to influence the vote in any way, I publicly apologise for that.”

It comes weeks after an anonymous member of the Commission reported feeling “bullied” by the Archbishop of York and Bishop of Oxford into appointing John Perumbalath as the Bishop of Liverpool. Both men deny the allegations.

At the time of Perumbalath’s appointment, the Bishop of Warrington, Rt Rev Bev Mason, had been acting in the role, whilst the CNC elected someone. In January 2025, she publicly accused John Perumbalath of sexual assault. He denies wrongdoing but retired from his post.  

Earlier this month, a spokesperson for the Archbishop of York stated: "The Archbishop of York and Bishop of Oxford categorically reject any suggestion of coercion or bullying during a Crown Nominations Commission."

This week's Synod debate suggested that the CNC get rid of secret ballots, introduce a presiding vote in the case of a tie-break and reduce the majority needed to submit a candidate to the government for consideration. All suggestions were rejected by the Synod. 

Currently, the CNC has found itself in gridlock over electing two new bishops for the Dioceses of Ely and Carlise.