Sir Lindsay Hoyle named university chancellor

Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle has been announced as the next Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton.

Sir Lindsay, who has been Speaker since 2019 and the MP for Chorley since 1997, said he was "deeply honoured" to be appointed by the university.

He succeeds Lord Paul of Marylebone, who had served in the role for 26 years.

"We are immensely honoured that Sir Lindsay Hoyle has agreed to become our next chancellor," Angela Spence, chair of the university's board of governors, said.

"As a proud civic university, we are committed to transforming lives through education, research, and innovation and to making a lasting contribution to the communities and regions we serve.

"Sir Lindsay brings a longstanding commitment to public service and a deep understanding of the importance of public institutions and the communities they serve.

"His lifelong commitment to fairness and inclusion makes him an inspiring choice to champion the university, our students, and our civic mission."

The University of Wolverhampton said Sir Lindsay's background, values and public service made him "an exceptional fit for this mission", with his "commitment to inclusion and civic engagement" reflecting the values at the heart of the university.

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Lindsay said: "Throughout my public life, I have been passionate about creating opportunities for people and supporting communities to thrive.

"Just as I have championed social mobility in Parliament - by reaching out through our apprenticeship schemes to under-represented communities to consider working with us in Westminster - the university shares those values by actively working to transform lives through education.

"I have always believed that greater understanding comes when we are more diverse, so we need to remove the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.

"I look forward to meeting students, staff and graduates, and to championing a university that plays such an important role in its region while making a positive impact nationally and internationally."

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