St Andrews to elect new Chancellor

The University of St Andrews has confirmed that four candidates are to stand for election to be its next Chancellor.

Dame Anne Pringle, Lord Mark Sedwill, Lady Walmsley and Dame Barbara Woodward will contest the election in which St Andrews alumni and certain categories of senior academic staff are entitled to vote.

Details of the candidates, their biographies and their election statements have been published on the University website.

A total of 7,072 St Andrews alumni and staff have registered to vote. Registration has now closed. Voting will take place between Monday 16 and Sunday 22 February, with the result announced in the week beginning Monday 23 February.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University, and the position has existed since the University’s foundation in the 15th century.

The previous Chancellor, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, served from 2006 until his death in September 2025.