General Synod Elections

General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. It shapes and approves laws that affect the whole of the Church of England. It agrees new forms of worship, debates matters of national and international importance, and approves the annual budget for the work of the Church at national level.

In Autumn 2026, elections are happening for new General Synod members. Those elected will serve for five years. Members are a mixture of bishops, clergy and lay people. Almost anyone who attends church regularly is likely to be eligible to stand as a lay member.

The Diocese of Newcastle is represented at the Church of England's General Synod by three 'Proctors in Convocation' or members of the House of Clergy and three Members of the House of Laity. In the 2026 General Synod elections the nomination period closed at 5pm on 7 September 2026 and the following are standing for election to the House of Clergy and House of Laity. Where Election Addresses have been provided by a candidate there is a link to their address underneath their name. 

The voting period will open on Monday 21 September 2026 and close at 5pm on Tuesday 13 October 2026. Hustings videos are available to watch at the end of this page. Those eligible to vote will receive information about how to vote.

House of Clergy			House of Laity
	The Revd Canon Dr Hannah Cleugh Vicar of Monkseaton St Peter Read Hannah's address.		Dr John Appleby St. Mary, Monkseaton Read John's address.
	The Revd Canon Ian Flintoft Vicar of Newsham and Horton Read Ian's address.		Mx David Casati St. George Newcastle upon Tyne Read David's address.
	The Revd Canon Zoe Heming Residentiary Canon for Mission Newcastle Cathedral Read Zoe's address.		Prof Charlotte Clarke Felton Read Charlotte's address.
	The Ven Dr Catherine Sourbut Groves Archdeacon of Lindisfarne Read Catherine's address.		Mrs Nic Denyer North Shields Read Nic's address.
	The Revd Rich Townend Vicar of Felton, Longframlington and Whittingham Read Rich's address.		Mr Jonny Green Jesmond Clayton Memorial Read Jonny's address.
	The Revd Jo Trickey Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Newcastle Read Jo's address.		Mr Josh Jee St Thomas the Martyr (Newcastle St. Andrew) Read Josh's address.
			Miss Izzy McDonald-Booth St. George Newcastle upon Tyne Read Izzy's address.
			Mrs Mary McIlroy Hipwell Whittingham and Edlingham with Bolton Chapel Read Mary's address.
			Mr Joe Thornton Jesmond Clayton Memorial Read Joe's address.

Hustings Videos

Newcastle Diocese Clergy

Newcastle Diocese Laity