Â鶹´«Ã½AV

Mr Bercow will formally take up the appointment in June. As Chancellor, Mr Bercow will represent the Â鶹´«Ã½AV on special occasions, confer degrees at graduation ceremonies and preside over meetings of the Â鶹´«Ã½AV Court.

One of the most recognisable figures in British public life, Mr Bercow has successfully sought to revive and reform Parliament and its procedures, empowering the legislature and actively engaging with the public and schools in particular on the work and importance of Parliament. He delivered a public lecture to a packed audience at the Â鶹´«Ã½AV in May 2013 on the topic of parliamentary reform

Mr Bercow is a constituency neighbour of the Â鶹´«Ã½AV’s main campuses (Luton and Bedford), and in particular its newest location, Â鶹´«Ã½AV Campus Milton Keynes.

His installation as Chancellor was approved by the Â鶹´«Ã½AV Board of Governors’ Nominations Committee and will formally take place at a graduation ceremony in June.

Speaking on his ambitions and responsibilities as the new Chancellor, Mr Bercow said:

“I am hugely honoured to accept this role.

“The fundamental principles of social mobility, internationalism, intellectual curiosity and achievement are close to my heart.  I hope that I am able to support, and represent, the Â鶹´«Ã½AV’s commitment and ambitions across these areas, and beyond.

“Having visited the Â鶹´«Ã½AV recently, I was impressed by the world-leading research that is taking place, the commitment to developing students as citizens, and the shared commitment to realise the potential of all students no matter their background.

“I am already looking forward to my formal installation, and playing my part in supporting the Â鶹´«Ã½AV’s work.”

Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor, added:

“We are delighted that John Bercow has agreed to be our new Chancellor.  John will be a tremendous ambassador for the Â鶹´«Ã½AV and our mission to transform lives and communities.

“I know that students, staff and others across the Â鶹´«Ã½AV community will share my delight in welcoming John Bercow as the newest member of that community.

“Baroness Howells will be a tough act to follow. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ros for her dedication, friendship and commitment to the Â鶹´«Ã½AV, our students and our mission. I’m delighted that she has agreed to continue to support the Â鶹´«Ã½AV as Pro-Chancellor.”

The announcement of the new Chancellor follows other recent exciting news at the Â鶹´«Ã½AV, including the award of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for research, and the internationally significant work of Professor Stephen Bax in ‘decoding’ the Voynich manuscript.