Sir Clement Freud elected as new rector

Renowned broadcaster, journalist and presenter Sir Clement Freud has been elected as rector of the University of St Andrews.

The result was announced on Friday after a day of elections, at which students voted between Sir Clement, Germaine Greer and Barry Joss. Freud won with a total of 992 votes against Greer’s 595 and Joss’s 305 votes.

Dr Brian Lang, the University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said:

“I am delighted that Clement Freud has been elected Rector. I look forward to him playing a significant role within the University and I have no doubt that he will be a worthy representative for the students as well as an effective Chair of the University Court.”

Student Association President, Rory O’Hare, said:

“I am extremely happy at the way in which the election has been run. It has been a very exciting two weeks. I am now looking forward to working with Sir Clement for a positive three years at St Andrews.”

As rector, Sir Clement will chair the University Court – the supreme governing body of the University, which has twenty-five members from within the University, the local community and beyond.

All matriculated students of the University have the right to vote in the election of a Rector, who holds office for a three-year period. In addition to chairing the University Court, the Rector acts as an advocate of students at the highest level.

Sir Clement replaces broadcaster and editor Andrew Neil, who has held the post since 1999. Former rectors at St Andrews have included Andrew Carnegie, J.M. Barrie, Rudyard Kipling, and John Cleese.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050103, or email [email protected] Ref: new rector pr 281002 View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk