Appointment of Sir Lindsay Hoyle as Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton

The University of Wolverhampton is delighted to announce that the Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, will become the University's next Chancellor. 

Sir Lindsay succeeds Lord Paul of Marylebone, who served with distinction as Chancellor for 26 years. His unwavering commitment helped shape the University's growth, reputation and enduring civic mission. 

The appointment comes at a significant moment in the University's history. As one of the UK's leading institutions for social mobility, Wolverhampton is committed to creating opportunity, transforming lives and supporting the development of the communities it serves. Through widening participation, research and innovation, the University continues to deliver meaningful impact across the region and beyond. 

Sir Lindsay's background, values and public service make him an exceptional fit for this mission. Raised in Lancashire and deeply rooted in local communities throughout his career, he began his public service in 1980 as the youngest-ever councillor to serve Chorley. He later became Deputy Leader of Chorley Council and Mayor of Chorley before being elected as a Member of Parliament in 1997. He was elected Speaker of the House of Commons in 2019 and was knighted in 2018 for his parliamentary and political service. 

Throughout his career, Sir Lindsay has championed fairness, representation and opportunity, ensuring that all voices are heard within the democratic process. His commitment to inclusion and civic engagement reflects the values at the heart of the University of Wolverhampton. 

As Chancellor, Sir Lindsay will serve as an ambassador for the University during a period of significant progress and ambition. His appointment coincides with continued growth in student numbers, major investment in estates and digital transformation, the launch of a new Clinical Trials Unit and the establishment of the Black Country Medical School. 

Commenting on the appointment, Angela Spence, Chair of the Board of Governors, University of Wolverhampton said: 

“We are immensely honoured that Sir Lindsay Hoyle has agreed to become our next Chancellor. As a proud civic University, we are committed to transforming lives through education, research, and innovation and to making a lasting contribution to the communities and regions we serve. 

“Sir Lindsay brings a longstanding commitment to public service and a deep understanding of the importance of public institutions and the communities they serve. His lifelong commitment to fairness and inclusion makes him an inspiring choice to champion the University, our students, and our civic mission. 

“We look forward to working with him as we continue to create opportunities for our students, support our region and extend our impact." 

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: 

"I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton.  

"Throughout my public life, I have been passionate about creating opportunities for people and supporting communities to thrive.  

"Just as I have championed social mobility in Parliament – by reaching out through our apprenticeship schemes to under-represented communities to consider working with us in Westminster - the University shares those values by actively working to transform lives through education. 

"I have always believed that greater understanding comes when we are more diverse, so we need to remove the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. 

"I look forward to meeting students, staff and graduates, and to championing a university that plays such an important role in its region while making a positive impact nationally and internationally." 

Sir Lindsay's appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the University, reinforcing its commitment to shaping a more inclusive, prosperous and equitable future for the communities it serves.