Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham becomes member of House of Lords

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham has become a member of the House of Lords.

The Rt Rev Paul Williams, the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, has taken his seat in the House of Lords.

He was introduced to the Upper Chamber of Parliament by the Bishop of Birmingham the Rt Rev David Urquhart and the Bishop of Southwark the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, who are some of the 26 bishops known as the Lords Spiritual.

While Bishop Paul’s primary focus continues to be overseeing the life and mission of the Church of England across the diocese, his role as one of bishops — who take an active part in the work of the House of Lords — has national significance.

Bishop Paul said: “I look forward to making a positive contribution in speaking on issues that affect the lives and livelihoods of people living and working in the city and county of Nottinghamshire, as well as the needs of the wider East Midlands region.

"In particular, I will be seeking opportunities to engage with public policy relating to children and young people, families, social care and the environment.

“I will be very much drawing on the considerable experience and wisdom of key partners in the region and hope to bring a distinctly Christ-centred perspective to support the work of Parliament.”

Bishop Paul was appointed Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham in May 2015.

He leads the diocese in partnership with ordained and lay leaders who serve across 300 churches and 73 church schools. He is supported by the Bishop of Sherwood the Rt Rev Dr Andy Emerton.

Bishop Paul was first ordained as a bishop in 2009 when he became the Bishop of Kensington, an Area Bishop within the Diocese of London.