Mullally, aged 63 and formerly England’s Chief Nursing Officer, enters a highly visible and sensitive era. Her nomination passed through the Crown Nominations Commission and was formally approved by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles. She is expected to assume the role after the confirmation of her election at St Paul’s Cathedral on 28 January 2026, with a ceremonial installation at Canterbury Cathedral in March.
Her selection follows the resignation of Justin Welby, who stepped down earlier this year amid scrutiny of his handling of a safeguarding scandal. The Church has pledged Mullally will prioritise accountability, healing and transparency in her leadership.
Mullally’s background is distinctive: before ordination in 2001, she forged a career in nursing, rising to be the youngest Chief Nursing Officer in England at age 37. She was consecrated as a bishop in 2015 and became the first female Bishop of London in 2018. Her dual experience in health care and ecclesiastical leadership has contributed to her reputation as a reform-minded, inclusive figure.
Her theological stance leans toward liberalism. She has voiced support for the blessing of same-sex relationships and emphasised a pastoral, listening approach to church governance. But she has also indicated respect for those who, on doctrinal grounds, cannot accept female ordination, advocating for diversity of theological conviction within the Church.
Her appointment has drawn a mix of acclaim and resistance. In the UK and among progressive Anglican circles, she has been celebrated as a breakthrough moment in gender equality within one of Christianity’s most established institutions. Political leaders, including Starmer, have called her leadership “significant” for national life.
Yet opposition is vocal, particularly from conservative factions in Africa and the evangelical wing of Anglicanism. Some critics have labelled her appointment “unbiblical” or a threat to traditional doctrine. Gafcon—the global Anglican conservative network—issued a statement condemning the decision, warning it would “further divide an already split Communion.”
Leadership of the worldwide Anglican Communion places the Archbishop of Canterbury in a delicate position between liberal provinces in the Global North and more socially conservative provinces in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Mullally will be expected to navigate disputes over same-sex marriage, ordination practices and biblical interpretation.
She enters office amid internal challenges for the Church of England. Attendance continues to decline, especially in rural parishes; trust remains fragile following repeated revelations of historic abuse; and debates over social issues—immigration, identity, climate, euthanasia—are intensifying across church debates. In her public remarks, Mullally has framed her mission around unity, care for the vulnerable, and reorienting the Church toward service and spiritual renewal.
Her predecessor’s resignation over safeguarding raised deep institutional questions about power and accountability. Mullally has committed to “listen to survivors and the vulnerable” and to shed light on past misconduct without shielding high offices. In her first comments as archbishop-designate, she described the moment as both “complex and challenging,” and underscored her intent to be “a shepherd who enables everyone’s ministry and vocation to flourish.”
While she has strong credentials for transformational leadership, enforcement of systemic change will test her effectiveness. Conservative critics may challenge her from within church structures; liberal advocates will expect bold reform. The Anglican Communion’s fractures will press her to act as mediator, not just guide.
Mullally’s tenure will also be watched in secular Britain, where the Church remains a constitutional institution entwined with state life. As Archbishop, she will hold a seat in the House of Lords as a Lord Spiritual, contributing to debates on moral and social legislation. With her professional roots in public health and community engagement, she may bring new perspectives to political and social discourse.