POLL OF THE DAY: Should Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby step down?

Welby, 68, who replaced Rowan Williams as England's leader clergyman in 2013, tendered his resignation earlier today after Lambeth Palace was embroiled by a sex abuse scandal concerning John Smyth.

An independent review released last week found that Welby's failure to act on concerns about Smyth meant the Church's most prolific serial child abuser was never brought to justice.

The report, authored by former social services director Keith Makin, concluded that Smyth's abuse could have been exposed earlier if the archbishop had contacted authorities.

The review stated: "On the balance of probabilities, it is the opinion of the reviewers that it was unlikely that Justin Welby would have had no knowledge of the concerns regarding John Smyth in the 1980s in the UK."

In his resignation statement, Welby said: "The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England."

He added: "Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.

"The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.

"When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.

"It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.

"It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.

"I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church.

"As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse."

A petition demanding the archbishop's resignation, initiated by three members of the Church of England's General Synod, gained support from numerous high-profile priests ahead of Welby's resignation.

Political leaders have remained cautious on the matter, with Sir Keir Starmer not offering support for the archbishop.

When questioned about the archbishop's position ahead of his resignation, the Prime Minister said: "Thats a matter really for the church rather than for me."

Do you think Justin Welby should step down as the Archbishop of Canterbury? Vote in our poll and have your say in the comments section below.