Justin Welby has appointed a Church of England priest to take over as his chief of staff.

Rev Ijeoma Ajibade who has worked in the Diocese of London and the Diocese of Southwark will take over from David Porter who stands down in November.

Rev Ajibade has been regional director for Europe, at the Mission to Seafarers for the last six years.

She will start as Chief of Staff at Lambeth Palace in November.

Speaking of appointment Rev Ajibade said: "I am deeply honoured and very excited about supporting Archbishop Justin's ministry and working together with others from the Lambeth Palace community. 

"We face complex and difficult challenges in our world today and the Church has a prophetic responsibility to empower, comfort and encourage people. I hope and pray that I will be able to wisely assist Archbishop Justin as he leads in these complex times. 

"I have really enjoyed working at the Mission to Seafarers and I am leaving there with a deeper thirst to see justice and human flourishing in our world today.

"Supporting Archbishop Justin will provide new opportunities for me to work towards this."

Rt Rev Justin Welby said: "I am delighted that Ijeoma will be joining the senior team at Lambeth Palace. 

"To this vital role she brings remarkable experience and skills from her ordained ministry, charity and local government work, and community activism. 

"In our complex and troubled world, I know we will benefit greatly from Ijeoma's international perspective, honed while serving with Mission to Seafarers as well as with numerous charities. 

"What connects all these strands for Ijeoma is a deep and abiding love of Jesus Christ - and a passion for the common good based on justice, dignity and human flourishing. I look forward to working with her enormously and I will pray for her in the months ahead as she prepares to join the Lambeth Palace community."