First female bishop to enter Lords

The historic moment will come as the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Rev Rachel Treweek, enters the upper chamber on October 26.

She said she was looking forward to playing an “active role” in Parliament as one of the 26 Church of England bishops on the red benches.

At the formal introduction ceremony she will be supported by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres.

Bishop Treweek, who became the first female diocesan bishop in July, said: “I am looking forward to joining the Lords Spiritual and playing an active role in Parliament.”