THE new Dean of Durham has been named as the Venerable Andrew Tremlett, Canon of Westminster.

Canon Tremlett, 51, succeeds the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, who retired in September.

He will be introduced to parishioners at Durham Cathedral this morning (Thursday).

A married father-of-three, he is best known for being snubbed for the role of House of Commons Chaplain because he was “another white middle aged man”.

He has worked in churches in Torquay, Portsmouth, Rotterdam and Goring-by-the-Sea and Bristol Cathedral.

Since 2010, he has been Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, responsible for the Abbey’s relationships with Parliament, Whitehall and other faith communities.

He said he was delighted to be appointed Dean of Durham and the Cathedral was a “huge draw”.

A keen photographer and long-distance runner, he said he was keen to explore the North-East, an area of “great natural diversity”, and excited at the Cathedral’s £10m Open Treasure project, which will create new world-class exhibition spaces in a paid-for visitor attraction.

The Right Reverend Paul Butler, the Bishop of Durham, said Canon Tremlett had enormous experience and great gifts and he looked forward to his arrival.

He will be installed at Durham Cathedral next summer.