The results are in: Your first directly elected President

In a historic first, you – our surgical members and fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons of England – have elected Tim Lane as your new President. He will take office in July 2026, when your current President, Tim Mitchell, steps down at the end of his three-year term.  

Guided by member feedback and the recommendations of Baroness Helena Kennedy KC’s independent review into diversity and inclusion, direct elections reflect our shared commitment to broader representation and a more inclusive member voice.

Previously, Council members elected your President. In the coming weeks, you will also directly elect two Vice-Presidents who will work alongside Professor Frank Smith, who will become the Senior Vice-President. Under our new rules designed to tackle low female representation in surgery, one of the Vice-Presidents must be a woman.  

Tim Lane has spent two decades advancing pelvic oncology and surgical education as a Consultant Urologist and robotic surgeon at Hertfordshire’s regional cancer centre. A former Chair of the Court of Examiners and Editor-in-Chief of the Annals of RCS England, he is now Editor-in-Chief of Surgery International, has published widely on urological cancer genetics, and earned top honours including the BARD Medal and C.E. Alken Prize. 

RCS England President-elect Tim Lane said: 

“I am surprised and humbled in equal measure! Thank you to everyone who voted for me in this historic election.” 

Responding to the announcement Mr Tim Mitchell, current President of RCS England, said: 

“This election marks a historic moment for the College, with the next leadership chosen directly by our members for the first time. 

“As President, Tim Lane will play a vital role in working with colleagues across surgery to address the issues that matter most - improving training and supporting the surgical workforce to continually improve patient care.

“I offer my warmest congratulations to Tim on this significant appointment.” 

Turnout for the election was 17.85%. A breakdown of the results can be found here. 

Newly elected RCS England Council members and the successful candidates for the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) Board will be announced in April with our new Vice‑Presidents confirmed in May as part of the wider 2026 elections cycle.   

The incoming Faculty of Dental Surgery Dean, Professor Martyn Cobourne, will take up office on 19 June 2026, succeeding Dr Charlotte Eckhardt.