It was announced today, 8 May 2026, that the Ven Dr Alex Hughes, Archdeacon of Cambridge has been appointed as the next Bishop of Brixworth in the Diocese of Peterborough (click here).
Alex was ordained in Oxford in 2000. He served his curacy at Headington Quarry, before moving to the Diocese of Portsmouth as Bishop's Chaplain. From 2008 he was parish priest of St Luke’s and St Peter’s in inner-city Portsmouth before joining us in the Diocese of Ely in September 2014 to be Archdeacon of Cambridge.
Alex will be consecrated in July and will take up his role with the Diocese of Peterborough in the autumn.
The Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter, The Bishop of Huntingdon said:
"Alex’s departure from the Diocese of Ely is a huge loss but I know the people of the Diocese will be joining me in congratulating him most warmly on this appointment. He cares gently and wisely for the clergy and people of his archdeaconry, contributes significantly to Diocesan leadership as a member of the Bishop’s Senior Staff and as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education, and has been a wonderfully supportive colleague to me. Many of us in Ely have seen and experienced his great gifts of an episcopal shepherd and faithful teacher, a compelling preacher and missional leader within and beyond the church community.
He has blessed us richly and we know he will be such a blessing in Peterborough Diocese as he follows this calling to be the Bishop of Brixworth. Our prayers go with him".
Dr George Woods, Diocesan Secretary & CEO, Diocese of Ely adds:
"In the short time I have served in the Diocese and the Bishop's Senior Team, I have come to deeply value the wise and considered counsel that Alex brings not only to our work together, but to the wider life of the Diocese. We have navigated real challenges as a team, and throughout, Alex's intellect, quiet humour, and groundedness have been a genuine gift. He will be greatly missed, and I have no doubt that the Diocese of Peterborough gains an exceptional leader in their new Suffragan Bishop.
I wish Alex every blessing as he steps into this exciting new chapter of his ministry."
Further information will follow in due course on Alex's farewell service (planned for early July) as well as the appointment process for his successor.
We wish Alex all the very best indeed and give thanks for all he has given to our church communities in the Diocese of Ely over these past several years.