The Venerable Paul Thomas takes charge of about 200 clergy and lay ministers at 150 churches in the Shropshire part of the Lichfield Diocese.

BBC: New Archdeacon of Salop installed

The Times religious affairs correspondent Ruth Gledhill told the BBC the announcement could prompt "hundreds, possibly thousands" of lay ministers to follow the bishops' example.

BBC: Five Anglican bishops join Catholic Church

He told MPs that responsibility for the administration of devolved elections ultimately lay with the UK government and ministers would do all they could to ensure the "smooth running" of the elections.

BBC: Ministers under fire over consultation on AV referendum

Last week, its management put forward its restructuring business plan to the ministers, which included the proposal to lay off 140 more staff.

BBC: Lay-offs herald fears for shipyard

It is not just that the four main hopefuls have experience of opposition (as advisers) and of government (as ministers), yet are young enough to lay claim to the future.

ECONOMIST: Britain is in store for another perilously close election

He called for ministers to implement sweeping reforms, including introducing a majority of lay members on disciplinary panels.

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