First female bishop to represent church in the House of Lords

The Bishop of Gloucester is to become the first female bishop to take up a seat in the House of Lords, it has been confirmed.

The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, who is the most senior woman bishop in the Church of England, will enter the upper chamber on 26 October.

She said she would be seeking to bring a voice of transformation to the House.

Bishop Rachel was officially installed at a Gloucester Cathedral service on 19 September.

During the ceremony on the 26 October, Bishop Rachel will be supported by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London.

She will take a parliamentary oath and then take a place on the benches alongside other Church of England bishops in a group called The Lords Spiritual.

"I am looking forward to joining and playing an active role in parliament," she said.

"Through the parish system, which covers every part of England, the Church of England has a detailed understanding of what is important to people's lives, and where transformation is most needed.

"This is the voice I seek to bring to the House, she said.