THE next Dean of Winchester is to be Canon Chris Palmer, Downing Street announced on Monday.
Canon Palmer is currently Canon Treasurer of Exeter Cathedral, where he has served since 2018. He was Canon Chancellor until 2022.
He was ordained deacon in 1998 and priest in 1999, before serving his title at All Saints’, Emscote, in Coventry diocese. In 2002, he became Team Vicar of Mortlake, a post he held until 2010, during which time he was also Area Dean of Richmond and Barnes. He then served as Team Rector of Merton Priory until his move to Exeter diocese.
Canon Palmer succeeds the former Dean of Winchester, the Very Revd Catherine Ogle. Dean Ogle’s departure followed the unexpected resignation of the director of music, Andrew Lumsden, in 2024, which triggered allegations about the management of the cathedral’s music department. Mark Byford, a senior non-executive member of Winchester Cathedral, who is a former director-general of the BBC World Service, also resigned.
The unhappiness resulted in the commissioning by the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, of an independent review of the cathedral’s governance (News, 18 June 2024). A summary of the review, published in March, identified “significant failings in leadership and management” (News, 7 March), at which point Dean Ogle resigned immediately, before her previously announced retirement date of 1 May. The Vice-Dean, Canon Roly Riem, took charge of implementing the review’s recommendations.
Bishop Mounstephen said on Monday that he was delighted by the successful nomination of Canon Palmer, who “brings great experience of cathedral and parish ministry, sharp intelligence, a ready wit and deep faith. We look forward very much to welcoming him and Olivia here amongst us.”
Canon Riem said: “Chris’s commitment to the Bible, spirituality, historic fabric, and to families will be very welcome as we continue to develop the mission and ministry of this Cathedral.”
Canon Palmer will take up the position on 15 March. He said: “I have grown to love cathedral life, and I relish the many opportunities for encounter that cathedrals offer. I trust that this has equipped me for this next ministry.”
On Monday, he met staff and congregants at the cathedral. He was also due to visit the homelessness charity The Beacon, and the Christmas Market in the Inner Close.