Gay rights activist and former Perrier winner

Comedian, activist and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe has become rector of the University of Edinburgh following an uncontested election.

He takes over from human rights lawyer Debora Kayembe, who has been in the role since 2021, on March 4.

Previous rectors  have included several future Prime Ministers, such as Winston Churchill,  Stanley Baldwin, David Lloyd George, William Gladstone  and Gordon Brown – as well as comedy actors Alastair Sim and James Robertson Justice.

Fanshawe, who was formerly chair of the governing council of the University of Sussex for six years, said: ‘Being named rector of the University of Edinburgh is a great honour. It is a university with a great legacy and current practice of stellar research and wonderful teaching. 

‘The role of rector offers a great opportunity to convene discussions on the most effective ways of advancing the university, its staff and students and to promote mutual understanding in the exchange of ideas."

The rector is a member of the University’s governing body, University Court, who champions the views of students and staff, who elect him.

Fanshawe was one of the six original co-founders of LGBT+ charity Stonewall in 1989 - the same year he won the Perrier Award for Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe.

He also served on the board of the Fringe Society from 1986 to 2012.  

Published: 13 Feb 2024