THE Archbishop of Canterbury has said that he plans to stay in post until he reaches retirement age in four years — health-permitting, and if “people are happy” with his leadership.

In an interview with The Times ahead of the Lambeth Conference, which begins on Friday, Archbishop Welby said: “It’s not about me, it’s what’s best for the Church. I will certainly take advice, and if my health is good and people are happy that I’m still there, then I’ll still be there.” It was not about what “pleases” him, he said, but “a decision that would be arrived at in prayer, thoughtful consultation with others, family, colleagues, friends”.

Archbishop Welby, who is 66, was confirmed Archbishop in St Paul’s Cathedral in 2013. By the time he is 70, in 2026, he will have been in post for 13 years — the same length of time as Archbishop Michael Ramsey (1961–1974). His immediate predecessors, Lord Williams (2002-2013) and Lord Carey (1991-2002), were each in post for 11 years.

Earlier this month, the General Synod approved a motion to increase from one to five representatives from the Anglican Communion on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for Canterbury. This was a “reasonable” step, Archbishop Welby said in the interview.

He also spoke about his experience of depression and the “tough” aspects of the job, including his role as spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion. “Every stimulating job is gruelling and will have tough moments,” he said. “But I am still enjoying myself enormously. It’s such a privilege to do this job. I never take it for granted.”