Toby Howarth

Toby Matthew Howarth (born 12 July 1962) is a Church of England bishop. Since 2014, he has been the Bishop of Bradford, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Leeds. In July 2026, it was announced that he would be the next Bishop of Leeds, having acted as acting diocesan bishop during the episcopal vacancy.

Early life and education Howarth was born on 12 July 1962 in Kenya. He was educated at Haverstock School, a comprehensive school in Haverstock, London. He studied at Yale University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1986. After returning to the UK, he worked for two years as research assistant to John Stott, a prominent conservative evangelical Anglican minister. he completed his PhD in 2001.

Ordained ministry Howarth was made deacon on Michaelmas (27 September) 1992, at Derby Cathedral, by Peter Dawes, Bishop of Derby. He was then ordained in the Church of England as a priest the following year. Then, from 1995 to 2000, he was in India with Crosslinks, an evangelical Anglican missionary society.

Episcopal ministry On 26 August 2014, he was announced as the next Bishop of Bradford, a suffragan and area bishop in the Diocese of Leeds. He was consecrated as a bishop on 17 October 2014 during a service at York Minster. He became acting Bishop of Leeds on 1 December 2025, following the retirement of Nick Baines.

On 31 July 2026, it was announced that he would transition from his suffragan see to become Bishop of Leeds, the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Leeds.

Personal life In 1994, Howarth married Henriette. She is also ordained in the Church of England. Together they have three children.

Selected works