A victim of an alleged sex-abuser priest has called for the Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, to resign, calling his response “insulting and upsetting”.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the woman criticised Archbishop Stephen's “moral compass,” saying the Church “deserves better” after it emerged that David Tudor, previously suspended for abusing a 16-year-old girl, was reappointed twice under the Archbishop's leadership as bishop of Chelmsford.

Earlier this month, Tudor was banned for life this year after admitting to further abuse involving two teenage girls.

The victim said: “It is quite clear that he knew a great deal, and I find it really insulting and upsetting that he has just said, ‘Oh, well, I feel regret.’” She added, “I think he really must step down now. It’s got beyond apologies.”

The second-most senior cleric in the Church of England has apologised, saying he is “deeply sorry.” However, he claimed it was “not possible” to remove Tudor until 2019. A spokeswoman for him admitted the situation “could have been handled differently”.

Archbishop Stephen will temporarily assume many duties of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, who steps down in January after criticism over his handling of abuse cases related to John Smyth.