CONTROVERSIAL former Hartlepool MP, cabinet minister, European commissioner and ‘Prince of Darkness’, Lord Peter Mandelson, has been named as the new chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University - six months after he came third in the run for the chancellorship of the University of Manchester behind poet Lemn Sissay and Hallé Orchestra director Sir Mark Elder.
It will be a great honour to be associated with such a successful, world-class university
62-year-old Lord Mandelson - currently President of the Policy Network think tank and President of the Great Britain China Centre - will begin his five-year term in April 2016, succeeding the former Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, Dianne Thompson.
One of the chief architects behind Tony Blair's New Labour landslide in 1997, Mandelson was dubbed the 'Prince of Darkness' by Private Eye magazine after he became the first Brit to be labelled a ‘spin-doctor’.
Mandelson's role as Chancellor will be to 'act as the most senior ambassador and ceremonial head of the University, promoting its mission, vision and values'.
Lord Mandelson said: “As a former Northern MP, I am strongly committed to the vision of Manchester Metropolitan University and to the changes Manchester is undergoing.
"The city has the vision, the professional organisation and teamwork to play a key role in radically reshaping Britain’s economy and political system.
"It will be a great honour to be associated with such a successful, world-class university.”
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Vanda Murray OBE, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Board, said: "As a world-class statesman who has held the highest offices of state, Peter will bring immense expertise, knowledge and skill to enhance our relationships with business and international partners.”
Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council, said: "I am very pleased that Peter has accepted the position at Manchester Metropolitan University and that he will be renewing his relationship with the City.
"Peter’s commitment to work with all stakeholders within the City and the wider region will play a large role in ensuring we achieve our full economic potential - an issue of national as well as local importance.”
