Ex-UK culture secretary, Lord Chris Smith, elected Cambridge chancellor

Lord Chris Smith Elected as New Chancellor of University of Cambridge

More than 23,000 Cambridge alumni and staff took part in the university’s first online vote to choose its next chancellor.

Lord Chris Smith, former culture secretary, has been elected to the role, succeeding Lord Sainsbury of Turville, who announced his decision to step down last year after more than a decade in the position.

Lord Smith, who is stepping down as Master of Pembroke College later this month, was chosen over nine other candidates, including broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller.

His term as chancellor will last ten years, the university said on Wednesday.

Nearly 2,000 people also voted in person at the university’s Senate House in Cambridge.

The role of chancellor, which dates back over 800 years, is ceremonial and symbolic. While the position carries no executive authority, the chancellor provides advice to university leaders, supports fundraising efforts, and represents the university externally.

Lord Smith 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 served as secretary of state for culture, media and sport from 1997 to 2001. He also chaired the Environment Agency from 2008 to 2014, and the Advertising Standards Authority between 2007 and 2017.

Professor Deborah Prentice, the university’s 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.”

To stand for election, candidates needed at least 50 nominations from alumni and current staff who are part of the Regent House, the university’s governing body. The election ran from 9 to 18 July and used the single transferable vote system.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE