THE FIRST FEMALE BISHOP could be appointed by the Church of England following approval by the House of Commons.

MPs unanimously supported the Bishops and Priests (Consecration and Ordination of Women) Measure on October 20 – following a go-ahead by the Anglican General Synod in July.

The House of Lords has also backed the reform which will be reviewed by the Synod on November 17 before it is formally approved. The first woman bishop could then be announced by the end of 2015.