The Archdeacon of Leeds, previously Archdeacon of Ripon, is a senior ecclesiastical officer within the Diocese of Leeds. As such he or she is responsible for the disciplinary supervision of the clergy within the four deaneries (Allerton, Armley, Headingley and Whitkirk) making up the archdeaconry of Leeds. Until 2014, the post was in the Diocese of Ripon. Since the creation of the Diocese of Leeds on 20 April 2014 (approved by the General Synod on 8 July 2013) the archdeaconry forms the Leeds episcopal area. Paul Ayers has been incumbent archdeacon since from 28 February 2017.