Former minister named as Cambridge chancellor

Lord Chris Smith will hold the post of chancellor for 10 years

Former Culture Secretary Lord Chris Smith has been elected as the next chancellor of the University of Cambridge.

His election followed a voting process which attracted 10 candidates, including anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig.

Lord Smith, who has been the master of Pembroke College since 2015, will hold the ceremonial office for 10 years.

He said:  "To be elected as chancellor of the university I love is a huge honour. I'm thrilled."

"I look forward to being the best possible ambassador for Cambridge, to being a strong voice for higher education more generally, and to working closely together with the vice-chancellor and her team," he added.

Lord Smith has been master of Pembroke College, Cambridge (pictured) since 2015

The position of chancellor is primarily ceremonial and without executive responsibilities, although they act as a sounding board for senior figures within the university, in supporting fundraising and in acting as an ambassador for Cambridge.

Their most significant commitment is to advocate and support the university's aims and strategic interests.

'Strong relationship'

For the first time, the election process included online votes, and about 23,000 alumni and staff participated.

The former MP served as secretary of state for culture, media and sport for the Labour government between 1997 and 2001.

In a statement, he wrote that as part of the election process, he said he was committed to diversity, and described himself as the "first openly gay Cabinet Minister anywhere in the world".

He also served as chairman of the Environment Agency between 2008 and 2014, and concurrently chaired the Advertising Standards Authority between 2007 and 2017.

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, president of Queens' College, had the second highest amount of votes, followed by Ms Toksvig.

Sandi Toksvig, who graduated from the University of Cambridge with a first class degree, was one of only two women on the shortlist of candidates

Prof Deborah Prentice, the University of Cambridge vice-chancellor, said: "On behalf of everyone at the University, I offer my warm congratulations to Chris on his election.

"I very much look forward to working with him and building on the strong relationship that we have developed since I became vice-chancellor.

"Chris has had a long involvement with the University and brings a wealth of relevant experience to this important role.

"I would like to thank the other nine candidates for standing for the role and their willingness to serve Cambridge."