General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Hugh Lorimer
Nominated by Kate Rudd
Lay Chair, South Craven & Wharfedale Deanery
Seconded by Susan Collins
Burley in Wharfedale Deanery Rep
[email protected]
CONTACT
Voluntary Work Outside
Church
Public Governor for Ilkley and
Wharfedale at the Airedale NHS
Foundation Trust.
Director of Ben Rhydding Sports
Club and Chair of Ben Rhydding
Hockey Club.
Volunteer at Keighley & Worth
Valley Railway.
I became a Christian while at University and have attended
Anglican churches for 43 years, initially in Nottingham and
Buenos Aires, before settling in Yorkshire.
I have been married to Clare for 37 years and we have two
children and three grandchildren.
Recently a member Crown Nominations Commission (CNC)
elected by members of Leeds Diocese and responsible for
the selection of the next Bishop of Leeds.
Member of All Saints Church in Ilkley where I have had many
responsibilities including as Treasurer and Church Warden.
I am currently a representative on Deanery and Diocesan
Synods and am also a strong supporter of the Churches
Together movement.
To support this work and my work on CNC I visit many
churches across the diocese to speak with parishioners and
experience all styles of worship. This is something I would
continue to do as a member of General Synod.
I have over 30 years experience as a School Governor at
secondary and primary schools in the area. Along with my
recent election as a Public Governor of our local Hospital
Trust this gives me a good understanding of governance in
complex institutions.
Career Summary
Teacher, Lecturer and Boarding
Master in schools and colleges
in West Yorkshire and Argentina
Business Analyst and Software
Engineer working in the
Education, Credit Union and
Nuclear sectors.
Retired in 2024.
“Having recently worked alongside Hugh on the CNC I commend
him to you as a lay rep in the General Synod elections.
Hugh is a supportive colleague who makes time and space for
careful reflection and pro-actively shares information and
dialogue with those he is working alongside.
I feel Hugh would bring this thoroughness and collegiality to
General Synod and would be an asset to the Leeds team.”
Rachel Firth - Chair House of Clergy - Leeds Diocese
Standing for the House of Laity of General Synod
“Love one another. As I have loved
you, so you must love one another. By
this everyone will know that you are
my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13 34-35

“I have known Hugh for many years. He has a measured and thoughtful approach to
emotive subjects. Hugh consistently reflects on issues relating to faith, community and
national/international affairs based on his solid faith and deep biblical understanding.
He has a heart that yearns to support those on the margins of society, irrespective of
their faith, gender or sexual orientation.”
Kate Rudd Lay Chair, South Craven and Wharfedale Deanery
I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the
church, regardless of disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender
identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.
I will leave the last words to Kate Rudd who has nominated me.
Thank you for reading my election statement. For a thoughtful, open and caring General Synod
member, please consider voting for me.
Voting is by transferable vote so if you support me then please put me as your first or high
preference vote. Voting closes on Tuesday 13 October.
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Why am I standing?
I am standing because I want to see change in many areas including safeguarding, inclusion, church
growth and a more balanced political landscape.
Mission and Growth
An important aspect of the Church of England for me is its presence across the country. With
ongoing challenges over finance and membership I will be supporting initiatives and looking for new
ways that the Church can navigate these challenges over the coming years and decades.
Safeguarding
The Church has made progress with regard to safeguarding in recent years but we need to do more
as we continue to strive for culture change and as we look for fully independent safeguarding
structures.
Political Landscape
I have an interest in local politics (as a lifelong member of the Labour Party) and am currently
concerned with how the threat of the far right can be met within the church and more widely.
Following the conclusion of the Living in Love and Faith process earlier
this year it was good to see that the houses of clergy and laity
supported a motion at July Synod that affirmed that all baptised,
believing and faithful persons regardless of sexual orientation are full
members of the Body of Christ. The motion only failed to pass through
the vote of the House of Bishops.

I hope that over the lifetime of the next Synod the Church of England
will be able to move significantly forward on issues and questions
around human sexuality and pastoral practice such that all people of all
backgrounds and sexual orientation may be able to play a full part in the
life of the Church, while respecting those with differing views
Inclusion
Hugh Lorimer - Standing for the House of Laity of General Synod

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