Manchester United fan Reverend Dr Matthew Porter named as new Bishop of Bolton

The new Bishop of Bolton has been announced by Downing Street as the Reverend Dr Matthew Porter, it was announced today.

He's currently vicar of St Michael le Belfrey in York and will be consecrated as the next and sixth Bishop of Bolton at York Minster in June, succeeding the Rt Revd Mark Ashcroft, who retired as Bishop last month. The Church of England said Rev Porter, who's also an author, was ordained in the Diocese of Sheffield in 1996 and served his curacy at Christ Church in Dore, South Yorkshire.

The father-of-five has held the role of vicar of St Michael le Belfrey since 2010 and in 2022, was appointed an Honorary Chaplain to the Queen, and then the King. Rev Porter and his wife Sam have five sons and he's a Manchester United supporter.

Making the announcement, the Church of England said: "He is passionate about evangelism, discipleship and developing leaders, and particularly serving people in poverty and young people in the North of England.

"Matthew often describes himself as 'a follower of Jesus and a leader in God's church - in that order'. He believes that nothing of lasting significance happens without prayer."

Rev Porter said: "I'm humbled and thrilled to be called to be the next Bishop of Bolton, working with Bishop David and Bishop Mark. While sad about leaving the Belfrey in York, I'm coming to the Manchester area in prayerful expectation, excited to be the lead bishop in mission, growth and church planting, and looking forward to serving the people and church of such a fantastic part of the North."

He was being introduced to representatives from across the Diocese of Manchester in Salford on Wednesday morning, before meeting local dignitaries at Bolton Town Hall.

The CoE said he would then travel