Ian Hislop hit out at the Archbishop of Canterbury after he attended a gala a day after his resignation an abuse scandal in the framework Church of England.

Justin Welby, who will officially step down early next year, announced his resignation last week after days of pressure build-up over faults in dealing with the case of prolific abuser John Smyth.

Private Editor Mr Hislop said it was “heartbreaking” to see Mr Welby at the British Museum’s annual trustees dinner, just a day after he resigned over a “horrendous scandal and cover-up of monstrous abuse”.

In a magazine column, Mr Hislop wrote that he was unimpressed by Mr Welby’s appearance at the dinner.

“Isn’t that wonderful?” said Mr Welby to Mr Hislop, who replied: “It is wonderful that you have resigned.” Mr Hislop said it wasn’t the “brightest of parts”, but an exchange of views ensued and they parted on unfriendly terms.

The I have news for you The host also slammed those at the gala who approached Mr Welby to comfort him and say he is “brave” for resigning.

“These particular Christians were far too eager to forgive each other for their sins,” wrote Mr. Hislop, “and far too slow to seek justice for the poor victims of their flock.”

He added: “I found Welby to be unrepentant and shameless. I am not convinced that he was sufficiently punished—unlike the poor boys whom his friend flogged so mercilessly in the name of Christianity.”

Mr. Hislop’s Magazine, Privatehas long covered the scandal that led to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mr Welby will formally step down on January 6, Lambeth Palace announced on Wednesday.

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the second most senior bishop in the Church of England, will take over Mr Welby’s official duties.

When announcing his resignation, Mr Welby said he was stepping down “in grief for all victims and survivors of abuse” following days of pressure after the independent review concluded that John Smyth – the most prolific serial abuser associated with the Church – could have brought to justice if Mr Welby formally reported him to the police in 2013.

He initially refused to resign when the report was published, saying he had “no idea or suspicion of this abuse” before 2013, but acknowledged the review found that after his wider exposure that year, he “did not personally managed to ensure’ that it was ‘vigorously investigated’.

Over five decades in three different countries and involving up to 130 boys and young men from the UK and Africa, John Smyth is said to have subjected his victims to traumatic physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual assaults, permanently scarring their lives .

He died aged 77 in Cape Town in 2018 while being investigated by Hampshire police and “never brought to justice for abuse”, the independent Makin Review said.

The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) is responsible for appointing the next Archbishop, vetting candidates, conducting interviews and ultimately presenting a name to the Prime Minister, who then forwards it to the King.