The son of Most Rev Justin Welby has spoken out on his father's decision to resign as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Tim Welby told the Mirror his father was right to quit his job because his position had become “untenable" - but says his father is a good man who he "loves very much".

On Tuesday, Archbsihop Justin resigned following publication of the Makin review into abuse by John Smyth, a late barrister who ran Christian boys’ camps in the 1970s and 80s.

Tim said: “The frustrating thing is I don’t think it ever occurred to him that it hadn’t been reported to the police. When, as Archbishop, you are told that something has happened it has usually gone through so many hands.

“It seemed utterly inconceivable that someone wouldn’t have said to the police: ‘This has been going on’.”

The Makin review revealed that Most Rev Justin Welby had been aware of allegations by 2013 at the earliest.

In his resignation statement, the Archbishop said: “When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow. 

“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and re-traumatising period between 2013 and 2024. 

“I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse.”                                                                                                

Tim said his father had been “appalled and shocked” that allegations of abuse by the late John Smyth had not been reported to police.