David James Oakley

David James Oakley (born 28 November 1955) is a British Catholic prelate who has served as Bishop of Northampton since 2020. He is currently on a leave of absence as he awaits trial for the alleged rape of a child.

Early life and education Oakley was born in Stourbridge on 28 November 1955.

He was appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Northampton by the Holy See on 8 January 2020.

Arrest In October 2025 it was announced that Oakley was taking a leave of absence from his duties for "personal reasons". In June 2026, he was charged with two counts of rape against a female under the age of 16, having been first arrested in September 2025. On 30 June 2026 it was announced that Pope Leo XIV had appointed Richard Moth, the Archbishop of Westminster, as apostolic administrator of the Northampton Diocese in Oakley's absence.