Lord Chris Smith Elected as Chancellor of Cambridge in Historic Vote
It’s official — Lord Chris Smith has been elected the new Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and what an exciting and meaningful moment this is for both the university and for Lord Smith himself. As someone who has spent decades connected to public service, education, and Cambridge itself, Lord Smith's appointment carries both symbolism and substance.
Now the 109th person to hold this historic position, Lord Smith was elected following a highly engaging process. For the first time in the university's long history, online voting was introduced — and the response was significant. Over 23,000 alumni and university staff took part online, and an additional 2,000 voted in person at the Senate House. That level of participation says a lot about the relevance of this ceremonial but influential role in modern times.
Lord Smith, who has been Master of Pembroke College since 2015, will now serve as Chancellor for the next ten years. He brings with him a rich background of leadership. Many will remember him as the UK's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from 1997 to 2001, a role he held during Tony Blair’s first Labour government. After his time in Parliament, he went on to lead both the Environment Agency and the Advertising Standards Authority — always staying at the heart of public discourse and governance.
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But his connection to Cambridge is far from just professional. Lord Smith studied at Pembroke College himself, earning a double first in English and later a PhD focusing on Wordsworth and Coleridge. So, when he says, “To be elected as Chancellor of the university I love is a huge honour,” you can tell it’s deeply personal.
Despite the largely ceremonial nature of the role, the Chancellor serves as a vital ambassador for the university. Lord Smith will work closely with Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice and senior leadership, offering guidance, advocating for Cambridge’s strategic goals, and helping shape its vision on the national and international stage. It’s not just about tradition — it’s about influence, values, and voice.
What’s also remarkable is the breadth of the field in this election. Lord Smith emerged ahead of a diverse group of nine other candidates, including well-known figures like broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and political activist Gina Miller. This wasn’t just a routine appointment — it was a competitive, transparent process, showing how committed Cambridge is to evolving with the times while preserving its centuries-old legacy.
Lord Chris Smith will officially take over as Chancellor at the end of July, coinciding with his stepping down as Master of Pembroke. His appointment marks a new chapter for the university, one grounded in experience, scholarship, and dedication to public life.
Cambridge is not just welcoming a new Chancellor — it’s welcoming home one of its own.
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