In an unprecedented move, the bishops of England and Wales have cancelled the ordination of the Bishop-elect of Plymouth just weeks before his installation Mass.

Canon Christopher Whitehead, a priest of the Diocese of Clifton, has also been suspended from active ministry while “a canonical process is under way”.

The bishops’ conference refused to give any further explanation for the sudden and mysterious cancellation of the ordination beyond a short statement.

A spokesperson said: “The episcopal ordination of Canon Christopher Whitehead will not take place on 22 February 2024 as expected.