The need for a better protected cruiser tank resulted in the Covenanter, which was a linear descendant from the A13 (Cruisers Mk III and Mk IV) tanks which it strongly resembled. Notable for being the first cruiser tank with a name, the Covenanter was distinguished by having a lower profile as well as armor which reached a maximum thickness of 40-mm. Still, it was designed to use as many components from the A13 series. It's main drawback, however, was that the cooling system was located at the front of the vehicle, while the engine compartment was at the back. This resulted in constant overheating along with other mechanical problems. Some of these were addressed after production was underway but overall, the Covenanter was plagued with difficulties that affected its reliability, particularly in desert conditions where most British tanks were in action at the time. As a result, the Covenanter was never actually used in combat notwithstanding the fact that it was produced in substantial quantities. Most were remained in use as trainers in the UK during 1940-43 although some other non-combat variants did see front-line service.

The Covenanter was inspired by the Soviet T-28 medium tank, which prompted the production of two prototypes, the A14 and A16. However, both proved disappointing during trials on account of noise and low speed and instead, an improved version of the A13 was developed, this becoming the Cruiser Tank Mark V Covenanter (A13 Mk. III). The Covenanter I was the basic variant which was later upgraded into the Covenanter II, III, and IV, with various improvements to the cooling system in order to correct the vehicle's overheating. Those used for close support with a 3-in howitzer were known as the Covenanter CS, while other non-combat variants included the Covenanter Bridgelayer, Covenanter AMRA (Anti-Mine Roller Attachment), Covenanter OP, Covenanter Command, and Covenanter ARV (Armoured Recovery Vehicle).