It was one of the final pieces of legislation passed by the last Parliament: the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act ensures that female bishops go to the head of the queue when a vacancy in the House of Lords arises. Only five Church of England sees – Canterbury, York, London, Winchester and Durham – are guaranteed places in the Upper House while the other 21 slots go to the longest-serving diocesan bishops. The new legislation means female bishops will be first in line to succeed. But does the change also serve another purpose? The Lords Spiritual are understood to be concerned that if a new government were led by Labour and other progressive parties, the bishops’ seats on the red benches would come under threat. “And if they were still men-only, their case would be very