Lane will take office in July 2026 when current president, Tim Mitchell, steps down at the end of his three-year term. He 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 CE Alken Prize. 

‘I am surprised and humbled in equal measure,' said Lane. ‘Thank you to all those who voted for me.'

Mitchell 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.'

In the coming weeks, members will also directly elect two vice-presidents who will work alongside Professor Frank Smith, who will become senior vice-president. One of the vice-presidents must be a woman under new rules designed to tackle low female representation in surgery.

Newly elected RCS England Council members and the successful candidates for the Faculty of Dental Surgery Board will be announced in April with the 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.