FORMERLY Essex's top clergyman and current Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell is facing calls to resign over his handling of a sexual abuse case involving a priest who worked in Thurrock, days before he takes temporary charge of the Church of England.

As Bishop of Chelmsford, Archbishop Cottrell let priest David Tudor remain in post in the diocese despite knowing he had been barred by the Church from being alone with children and had paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim.

A spokesperson for Archbishop Cottrell said he had been in an "invidious situation" and did not have the legal power to sack the priest.

Rev Tudor was only banned from ministry a few weeks ago - after he admitted historical sex abuse allegations relating to two girls.

However, the Bishop of Newcastle the Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley says Mr Cottrell could have done more and should resign as archbishop.

"It completely undermines his credibility that this case was not acted on," she has said.

"How can you have the moral and ethical authority to lead an institution with that?

She has been joined by other senior figures in the Church of England in saying Archbishop Cottrell should go.

The calls for Archbishop Cottrell to resign come at a time of turmoil in the Church of England following a damning report into how it covered up prolific abuse by the barrister John Smyth.

The report led to the resignation of the Church's most senior figure, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Archbishop Cottrell will take over his role temporarily for a few months in the New Year.