Nothing better to do, Andy? Catholic PM Burnham rushing through ‘anti-discrimination’ law in a day so he can advise King on Church of England bishops

Andy Burnham’s government plans to pass a bill through all its Commons stages in one day, removing a legal bar that prevents Catholic and Jewish prime ministers from advising the King on Church of England appointments. Burnham says the restriction is an outdated anomaly that stops people of any faith carrying out the full duties of the office.

The ban stems from laws passed in 1829 and 1858, and Burnham has assigned the advice role to Lord Chancellor Alex Norris while it remains in force. Prime ministers’ input is largely formal: a Church committee selects candidates, and the King’s and prime minister’s approval is sought after a candidate accepts. The bill would still need approval from the House of Lords and Royal Assent to become law.