CLERGY and lay people across Hampshire churches are expected to be widely consulted in the process of appointing the next Bishop of Southampton.

The Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill's appointment as Bishop of Lichfield has set staff at Wolvesey, the Bishop of Winchester's headquarters, into overdrive.

On his return from the General Synod in York this week, the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, will start to draw up a job description and personal specification for his new "Area Bishop.''

Minded of the recent controversy over the Bishop-elect of Reading, where the feelings of the Anglican church as a whole were felt not to have been taken into account, Bishop Michael is expected to listen from both the evangelical and liberal wings of the church, as well as clergy and lay representation.

The bishop will then receive suggestions by the Archbishops' Appointment's Secretary from a secret list of clergy, and also suggestions from other bishops and senior Anglicans across the UK.

The Daily Echo understands that Bishop Michael will form an interview panel and invite candidates to meet them at a secret location in the diocese, and narrow down the options to two candidates.

He will consult with the Archbishop of Canterbury and will finally seek his approval by forwarding two names, with his preference starred, to the Prime Minister. The appointment is finally made by the Queen, as the head of the Church of England, after what is expected to be between three and six months.