A former London headteacher is to become the next Bishop of Warrington.
Very Rev Simon Robinson has served as Dean of Truro since January 2024, after being appointed Interim Dean in 2022.
Bishop-elect Simon was ordained in 2012 and served as the vicar of Minehead, but before ordination he spent 24 years in education, including as a headteacher in London, where he was committed to supporting children with special needs and those excluded from other schools.
Welcoming his appointment, the Diocese of Liverpool said: "Simon firmly believes that amongst many things, the renewal of the Church depends on building a Church that is for everyone, something he looks forward to pursuing as he takes up his new role as Bishop of Warrington. This conviction is closely tied to his own upbringing in a working-class family where poverty was a real lived experience which has shaped his commitment to ensuring that the life of the church speaks deeply to people from every walk of life."
The previous Bishop of Warrington Bev Mason resigned last year after identifying herself as one of two women who accused the former Bishop of Liverpool John Perumbalath of sexual misconduct. He resigned but has always denied any wrongdoing.
The Diocese of Liverpool said the Bishop-elect is "a committed, public advocate for safeguarding who himself is a survivor, Simon will continue strengthening this work as the Bishop of Warrington. As he begins to shape his ministry and leadership in the area, he will also support the wider Diocese by drawing on his experience and expertise – not only in safeguarding, but in the other areas about which he is deeply passionate."
Dean Simon said when he first read the paperwork for the role "a literal fire burst into flame in my stomach. That fire has not gone out and grows stronger every day as I pray and prepare to move and take up this new role. I am excited and daunted by what God has drawn me to next. I really do look forward to listening to and learning from the very many people of Warrington and the Diocese of Liverpool as we live and tell the story of Jesus Christ together."
Welcoming his appointment, Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, said:
“I am so looking forward to having Simon as my brother bishop in the diocese of Liverpool. He brings a wealth of experience, holy listening and honest insight. I know he will be a gift to us here within the diocese and the Merseyside region as we seek God’s best for our future life together in mission and ministry.”
The Archbishop of York Most Rev Stephen Cottrell has also welcomed the appointment saying "Simon comes with many gifts to serve the people and parishes of the Diocese of Liverpool, and to bear witness to God in every place.”
The new bishop will be officially consecrated by the Archbishop of York during a service at York Minster on 30 April, before being welcomed at a service at Liverpool Cathedral in May.