The University of Cambridge has unveiled the final list of candidates in the race to become its next chancellor, with broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and businesswoman Gina Miller among those bidding to become the first female to hold the prestigious role.
Sandi Toksvig, well known as the host of the popular quiz show QI and former presenter on The Great British Bake Off, joins Gina Miller, who gained national attention through her high-profile legal challenges against Brexit, in a historic contest for the university’s ceremonial headship.
The chancellor of Cambridge is a largely symbolic role but carries considerable public prominence. Although the position holds no executive power over university operations, the chancellor plays a vital part in representing the university publicly, aiding fundraising efforts, and advising senior figures within the institution.
The election follows the announcement last year by Lord Sainsbury of Turville, who has served as chancellor for over a decade, that he would step down. The contest to replace him has attracted a diverse group of ten candidates, including former Labour culture secretary Chris Smith (Lord Smith), and Lord John Browne, ex-chief executive of BP.
In a notable first for the university, the election will feature both online and in-person voting options, with over 34,500 alumni and current senior academic and professional staff members registered to vote online between 9 and 18 July. Additional voting will take place in person at the Senate House in Cambridge on 12 and 16 July.
Candidates were required to secure at least 50 nominations from members of the Regent House, the university’s governing body consisting of staff and alumni, in order to stand.
Among the contenders are Dr Mohamed El-Erian, president of Queens’ College, activist Tony Booth, and Cambridge astrophysicist Professor Wyn Evans.
In her candidate statement, Gina Miller highlighted the symbolic importance of electing the university’s first female chancellor, saying: “Electing the first woman to the role – while not essential – would be powerful and symbolic, affirming Cambridge’s commitment to modernity and equality.”
Meanwhile, Sandi Toksvig appealed to tradition and change alike in her statement: “The first known chancellor of Cambridge was Richard of Wetheringsett who served sometime between 1215 and 1232. After that, we have had a plethora of other Richards, many Johns and an awful lot of Stephens. After over 800 years, I wonder if it isn’t time for a change?”
Not all candidates have supported the idea of an external, high-profile figurehead. Professor Wyn Evans argued for a chancellor who is an internal figure deeply involved in university life. “The best candidate for chancellor is an internal one who understands its current problems and is active in research, mentoring and teaching,” he said. He added with a touch of humour: “If Cambridge needs a high-profile or celebrity chancellor to be noticed, we might as well give up and rebrand the university as a reality TV show: ‘Keeping Up with the Cantabrigians’.”
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The new chancellor will serve a maximum term of 10 years, and the winner is expected to be announced during the week beginning 21 July.
The final list of candidates standing in the election is as follows:
- Ayham Ammora
- Ali Azeem
- Tony Booth
- John Browne
- Mohamed El-Erian
- Wyn Evans
- Mark Mann
- Gina Miller
- Chris Smith
- Sandi Toksvig
The election represents a notable moment in Cambridge’s long history, with the potential for a woman to finally take on a role traditionally dominated by men. Voters will decide whether the next chancellor is a high-profile public figure, an experienced insider, or an advocate for change — reflecting the evolving identity of one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
