The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, has been elected as the new Archbishop of Wales.

The former Dean of Brecon Cathedral, who became the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon in 2008, is now the leader of the Church in Wales having been its senior bishop since the retirement of Dr Barry Morgan last year.

All six serving Welsh bishops were candidates to lead the country’s Anglican community and become the 13th Archbishop of Wales.

The former solicitor, who was ordained in 1984, was elected by a college of 42 clerics and lay people who have been meeting since yesterday behind locked doors in Holy Trinity Church in Llandrindod Wells.His election was announced on the steps of the church this afternoon.He said, “I am overwhelmed and humbled. I would like to thank members of the College and especially my fellow bishops for the confidence and trust they have shown in me. We will work together as a team to grow and strengthen the Church as it serves the communities of Wales and helps build the kingdom of God.”The Dean of Brecon, Dr Paul Shackerley welcomed the news on behalf of the Diocese. He said, “I am delighted with the news that Bishop John has been called to be our next Archbishop. He has proven gifts and experience to lead the Church into the future and will receive our full support and prayers he prepares to exercise his weighty, yet joyful, archiepiscopal ministry. I feel the future of the Church in Wales is in good hands with all our faithful Bishops, to lead us with hope into the future that we may flourish and serve the communities in which we are called.”

A candidate needed two-thirds of the votes to be elected archbishop.

An enthronement ceremony will be held at Brecon Cathedral in a few months time.