Lancaster University is pleased to announce that the Rt Hon Alistair Burt will serve as its new Pro-Chancellor from 1 October 2020 until 30 September 2025. This follows an appointment process, supported by external search, to succeed the current Pro-Chancellor, Lord Liddle who, this year, completes his appointment after 7 years in the role.

Alistair Burt was born and raised in Bury going on to read Jurisprudence at St John’s College, Oxford. He served as a Member of Parliament for Bury North and North East Bedfordshire for over 30 years. His many roles have included Minister for Care & Support, Department of Health (2015-16) and Minister of State for the Middle East at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development (2017-19).

Since leaving Parliament in November 2019, Alistair has pursued a career as a foreign affairs consultant. He is a Director of the Coalition for Global Prosperity and has numerous voluntary roles with a wide variety of organisations including UK Commissioner for the International Commission on Missing Persons, an organisation dedicated to identifying the missing in conflict and natural disaster, leading to closure and justice for families.

Alistair Burt said: “I am honoured to be chosen as the next Pro-Chancellor of Lancaster University, following in the footsteps of Lord Roger Liddle, who has given such excellent service in the role. I am also thrilled to be returning to my native Lancashire to a University where all who work here have built an outstanding international reputation, and also a deep commitment to the region, and to ensuring that all our diverse students make the most of their opportunities.

At a challenging time for Higher Education, I am confident that Lancaster will be in the vanguard of all that is best for its future.”

Roger Liddle, Lord Liddle of Carlisle, warmly welcomed the news: "I am delighted by Alistair's appointment as my successor. He is someone of immense experience and integrity, with a strong commitment to the north. I wish him and Lancaster all the very best for the future and I hope he enjoys the role of Pro Chancellor as much as I have done in the last seven years".

The Pro Chancellor is a key role and is responsible to the stakeholders for the effectiveness of Council, the University’s governing body, which he chairs. This appointment is being made as the University is forming its strategy under new Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield.

The Vice-Chancellor commented: “Lord Liddle has guided and overseen Lancaster University’s rise and success throughout his tenure and we are enormously grateful for his committed and insightful leadership.

“His is a hard act to follow, but I am delighted that Alistair will be taking on the Pro-Chancellor role at a time when we are developing and carrying through the new strategy to build on Roger’s legacy.”