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 took place 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 Durham is represented at the Church of England's General Synod by four 'Proctors in Convocation' or members of the House of Clergy and four Members of the House of Laity. Votes were counted in October 2026 and the successful candidates, who will represent the Diocese in the forthcoming five-year term of General Synod, are as follows:

House of Clergy			House of Laity
	Simon McMurtary Link to address			Hanna Lucas Link to address
	Mark Miller Link to address			Richard Scothon Link to address
	Donna Robinson Link to address			Helen Smith Link to address
	Matthew Tarling Link to address			Guy Wingate Link to address

The formal results certificates, count narratives and count tables can be found below:

• House of Clergy Results Certificate
• House of Clergy Results Narrative
• House of Clergy Results Table
• House of Laity Results Certificate
• House of Laity Results Narrative
• House of Laity Results Table