Lord Chris Smith
Chancellor of the University of Cambridge
Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury
Chancellor of the University of Cambridge
Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury
Started his Cambridge journey as an undergraduate reading English. Graduated in 1972 with First Class Honours and became President of the Cambridge Union debating society.
Chris spent a year at Harvard as a Kennedy Scholar, and was awarded a doctorate for his research on Wordsworth and Coleridge. He subsequently became Chairman of the Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere, and is now President.
First elected as MP for Islington South and Finsbury in 1983, and remained there until 2005.
Becomes the first MP in the UK to voluntarily come out as gay, a pioneering moment for LGBTQ+ representation in politics.
Accomplishes the feat of climbing all mountains in Scotland over 3,000 feet high!
Takes on a key shadow cabinet role focusing on environmental issues
Joins the Cabinet with historic significance as the first openly gay Cabinet Minister in the world. During his tenure, he established NESTA and the Foundation for Youth Music.
Implements the transformative policy of free entry to Britain's museums and galleries
Appointed to the House of Lords, recognizing his significant public service
Takes leadership role in regulating advertising in the UK, a position he held for ten years
Takes on leadership of the principal environmental regulator in England
Returns to his alma mater to lead one of Cambridge's oldest colleges founded in 1347. The photo shows Chris with Rowan Williams, Antonio Guterres (UN Secretary-General), and Pembroke students at the College.
Successfully raises £82 million and oversees expansion of the College footprint by one-third. The photo shows Chris with Julia Gillard and Polly Blakesley in the new Mill Lane development
Elected as the 115th Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. Read more: University of Cambridge | BBC News
