Sir Simon Hughes to be chancellor of LSBU

Sir Simon will succeed Richard Farleigh in the ceremonial and ambassadorial post this autumn.

Previous chancellors of LSBU include Sir Trevor McDonald.

News of his new unpaid role at LSBU follows Sir Simon's announcement last month that he is stepping back from front-line electoral politics.

Sir Simon Hughes said: "Over the past 30 years I have seen the very positive impact London South Bank University has had on the lives of thousands of local people.

"LSBU is a place that provides our communities with access to opportunity and delivers an excellent student experience to thousands every year.

"As chancellor, I will be able to combine my passion for education with my commitment to our south London communities. I'm greatly looking forward to helping to build on the University's success which in recent years has seen LSBU rocket up the university league tables and be named University of the Year for Graduate Employment."

Vice-chancellor Prof David Phoenix said: "At LSBU our influence is increasingly global but we will always be rooted in south London. Simon has dedicated many years to the service of the local population and his appointment symbolises the importance of our local community in everything we do."

Sir Simon has been an honorary fellow of LSBU since 1992.