The race to elect the next Chancellor of the University of Cambridge in 2025 is unlike any in the institution’s 800-year history. With ten high-profile nominees from across public life—ranging from business leaders and economists to campaigners and creatives—this election marks a pivotal moment for Cambridge and the global academic community.
While the Chancellor’s role has traditionally been ceremonial, the position increasingly carries moral and strategic influence. In an era defined by misinformation, global inequality, and rising authoritarianism, each candidate brings a compelling vision for how Cambridge can rise to meet today’s most urgent challenges.
The full list of candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora presents a bold vision for a progressive and inclusive Cambridge, rooted in his deep academic ties and global leadership in sustainability and innovation. He emphasises the university’s responsibility to lead courageously in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, AI governance, and public health. Ammora pledges to defend academic freedom while ensuring a sense of belonging for all, future-proof the university through financial resilience and global partnerships, and reimagine the Chancellor’s role as an active, visible champion for all members of the Cambridge community—from students to staff. He brings a unique combination of scholarly insight and high-level policy experience to the role.
Mr Ali Azeem draws on a powerful personal journey from homelessness to Cambridge alumnus, using this background to advocate for transformational leadership grounded in empathy and real-world impact. His campaign is focused on fairness, freedom, and “flourishment”—promoting inclusive access, protecting robust debate, and positioning Cambridge at the forefront of technological innovation. With experience advising governments, NGOs, and major institutions, Azeem pledges to bridge policy, academia, and entrepreneurship to unlock Cambridge’s full potential and ensure it thrives in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Mr Tony Booth offers a grassroots, ethically driven candidacy centred on education, sustainability, and social justice. With decades of experience in education and a long-standing connection to Cambridge city, he calls for a transformative environmental agenda led by the University, including a “reverse Manhattan Project” to combat climate inaction. Booth advocates divestment from fossil fuels and arms, support for international law, and stronger community engagement. His vision is of a university deeply reflective, values-led, and intertwined with the wellbeing of both its people and the planet.
Lord (John) Browne offers himself as a Chancellor with a lifelong connection to Cambridge and a career that bridges business, science, and cultural institutions. A former CEO of BP and a leader in the energy transition, he emphasises the importance of integrating climate action with energy needs. He champions academic freedom, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration—especially in fields like AI, biotechnology, and climate science. Browne brings extensive fundraising and leadership experience and sees the role of Chancellor as a responsibility to promote Cambridge globally, secure its future, and ensure it remains accessible to all based on merit.
Dr Mohamed El-Erian positions himself as a Chancellor for a transformative era, combining tradition with innovation. A former Cambridge undergraduate with global experience in academia, finance, and policy, he pledges to be an active and engaged Chancellor—supporting academic excellence, strengthening university finances, defending free speech, and deepening alumni and global engagement. As President of Queens’ College and chair of key university committees, he’s already deeply involved in Cambridge life. El-Erian promises to be a strategic partner to the Vice-Chancellor, advancing multi-disciplinary research and ensuring the university remains a leader in an increasingly complex world.
Professor Wyn Evans is an internal Cambridge academic running for Chancellor on a reformist, mission-first platform. He advocates refocusing the university on its core values of education, research, and learning, criticising the rise of managerial roles and casualised academic contracts. He calls for more permanent academic positions, better staff conditions, and an independent Ombudsman to address mismanagement and bullying. Evans opposes wasteful spending on external consultants, arguing instead for greater use of in-house expertise. Rejecting celebrity-style leadership, he pledges to serve a single five-year term, positioning himself as a grounded, values-driven candidate who understands Cambridge’s challenges from the inside.
Dr Mark Mann presents himself as a champion of truth, innovation, and societal impact, rooted in his own journey from a state-school student to Cambridge PhD and BBC innovator. With experience launching social ventures and supporting knowledge transfer across UK and European universities, he pledges to amplify Cambridge’s voice as a beacon of truth in an era threatened by misinformation. Mann promises to defend academic freedom, secure resources for innovators, and ensure the university remains inclusive and globally impactful. His vision positions innovation as “truth in action,” with Cambridge leading not just in scholarship but in delivering real-world solutions that change lives.
Gina Miller presents her candidacy for Chancellor as a call for courageous, ethical leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and social progress. With decades of experience as a businesswoman, campaigner, and reformer—defending democracy in court, advocating for education, and promoting transparency—she pledges to be an active and principled voice for Cambridge. Miller envisions the Chancellorship not as symbolic, but as a vital force for cultural and strategic influence, especially in an era of eroding institutional trust and rising anti-intellectualism. She promises to uphold Cambridge’s values, champion inclusive excellence, and ensure the university leads with moral purpose on global issues from climate change to inequality.
Lord (Chris) Smith emphasises the Chancellor’s role as a passionate advocate for knowledge, truth, and academic freedom in a world increasingly threatened by misinformation and authoritarianism. Drawing on his extensive leadership background—from Secretary of State for Culture to Chair of the Environment Agency and Master of Pembroke—he brings proven experience in governance, diversity, and successful fundraising. As a lifelong champion of openness and ethics, and the first openly gay Cabinet Minister, he underscores the need for principled leadership rooted in Cambridge’s collegiate values. Smith commits to sustaining the University’s excellence and advocating for the central role of education in democracy.
Sandi Toksvig makes a compelling case for fresh, inclusive leadership as Chancellor, blending a strong Cambridge academic background with a distinguished public career in media, literature, and activism. A former Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth and co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party, she offers proven leadership, global communication skills, and a passion for equity and innovation. Her recent work on the Mappa Mundi Project addresses online bias and educational equity, demonstrating her commitment to the future of learning in the digital age. Toksvig envisions the Chancellor as a unifying, fearless advocate for Cambridge in a rapidly evolving academic and societal landscape.
What unites these candidates is a deep reverence for Cambridge’s core values—truth, inquiry, and public service—but their approaches vary widely. Some prioritise innovation and funding, while others focus on academic freedom, global ethics, or digital equality. Several candidates aim to modernise the role of Chancellor from a ceremonial figurehead to a vocal, visible champion for the university.
This election isn’t just about tradition—it’s about transformation. With students, faculty, and alumni watching closely, Cambridge now has the opportunity to select a leader who can speak to a global audience and help shape the university’s place in a fast-changing world.
To help voters, alumni, and observers better understand the field, we’ve compiled a side-by-side comparison of the candidates’ backgrounds, key priorities, and what sets each one apart. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, social justice, innovation, or institutional integrity, this guide will help you navigate the historic 2025 Chancellor election.
