Peter Mandelson for chancellor? (of Manchester university)
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Version 0 of 1. He’s been a Labour spin doctor, a government minister, an EU trade commissioner and, most recently, the High Steward of Hull. But could Peter Mandelson soon add “university chancellor” to his eclectic CV? Mandelson, a Labour peer known as the Prince of Darkness for his mastery of the shadowy arts of political manipulation, has been lobbying influential Manchester figures about taking over the top job at the University of Manchester this summer, the Guardian understands. With the city’s stock higher than it’s been in decades after its leaders struck a series of devolution deals with central government - and the university’s reputation going from strength to strength since its scientists invented graphene and won the Nobel prize in 2010 - it seems Mandelson wants in on the action. “He’s been calling around various people taking soundings this week,” said one Manchester insider. “He’s already got other people lobbying on his behalf. It was his idea.” Mandelson is likely to have some serious competition to take over as chancellor from local property development guru, Urban Splash chairman Tom Bloxham, who retires in June after seven years in the post. Other possible contenders include David Beckham, who spent his best footballing years at Manchester United, his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson; the film critic Mark Kermode, who did his PhD in Manchester; Sir Mark Elder, long serving musical director of the city’s Hallé orchestra; Professor Dame Sally Davies, the government’s chief medical officer and Manchester alumnus; and poet Lemn Sissay, whose work already adorns the side of one of the university’s buildings. On Thursday Mandelson was schmoozing with the university’s biggest brains at an alumni event celebrating philanthropy, featuring Professor Brian Cox, who teaches physics in Manchester when not explaining the cosmos on TV. Phoned by the Guardian on Friday, Mandelson insisted he was not on the stump in Manchester. Asked if he had been lobbying for the chancellor gig, he said: “I would say it’s slightly more the other way round. It’s slightly early days. I really don’t know. To put it mildly, you are somewhat in advance of the truth.” Asked whether he was suggesting he was being wooed rather than doing the wooing, he said: “I’m not suggesting anything really...Let’s put it this way, should it come about - and I’m not sure that it will for a variety of different reasons - you will be the first to know.” But does he fancy the job? “It’s not quite as simple as that,” he said. “Firstly, it’s a bit premature. Secondly, I haven’t really thought it through. Thirdly there are other considerations. And it’s a little way to go before I even make up my mind.” Asked about his potential competition, Mandelson said: “Beckham would be great. He would certainly go viral and go global. But then Alex Ferguson would go global too. It’s all a bit up in the air.” A University of Manchester spokesman said: “The university is currently accepting nominations for the ceremonial position of chancellor from more than 160,000 alumni, staff and general assembly members eligible to vote. Potential candidates are required to obtain the support of 20 or more constituents and declare they wish for their name to be put forward for the role. The size and diversity of the electorate means we often receive a wide and varied list of nominations, which, of course, is to be welcomed.” Nominations close on 13 April at noon. If a ballot is required, voting will open on 26 May. The results will be announced on 22 June. |