Kennedy in bid to stay rector

Thursday 27 January 2011

Kennedy in bid to stay rector

Glasgow University rector Charles Kennedy faces a historic battle to retain his position.

If successful, the former Liberal Democrat leader would be the first rector to hold two consecutive terms since 1871.

The battle to take up the prestigious post sparked into life this week as Scottish author A L Kennedy threw her hat into the ring.

The Dundee-born novelist – whose Christian names are Alison Louise – announced she is to stand for the three year term of rector at the university. If elected Ms Kennedy – no relation to the Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP – would be only the second woman to claim the title. The last female rector was Winnie Mandela in 1987-1990. Students will cast their votes at the election on February 21 and 22 and the new rector will be installed later this year. Mr Kennedy said: “I was elected as an independent and that will be the basis of my candidacy again.” The last rector to hold office for two consecutive terms was former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who was in the office between 1871-1874 and 1874-1877. The rector is elected by the students, taking on the role of spokesman, or spokeswoman, and representative for student issues.

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