Campaigner elected Edinburgh rector in one-horse race

Green activist and former Edinburgh University Students’ Association sabbatical officer Peter McColl has been elected unopposed as the new Rector of the University of Edinburgh, in a result widely hailed as a victory for the student movement.

Mr McColl, a graduate of the university who was vice-president of EUSA in 2001/02, said he was “delighted” to have been elected Rector, calling the position “a vital part of good governance”.

Mr McColl said he stood for “free, fair and funded education”, and pledged to “fight hard to ensure that no-one is excluded from University by their financial situation.”

He added: “Education is a social good and access should be on ability to learn not ability to pay. No fees are acceptable. Fees of £9,000 a year are nothing short of a disgrace. I will defend Edinburgh and make sure that students and staff at Edinburgh University get a better deal.”

Student representatives and activists have been quick to express their support for Mr McColl. He is particularly popular among the anti-cuts Defend Edinburgh bloc who have become influential in EUSA in recent times.

James McAsh, a EUSA ordinary representative and key Defend Edinburgh activist, said: “Students want a Rector who will ensure their voice is heard in the university and who is committed to free education.”

Mr McAsh, who nominated Mr McColl for the position, heralded the Rector-elect’s “experience in dealing with the university and commitment to getting the best deal for students”.

EUSA president Matt McPherson also joined the chorus of McColl supporters, saying that “I want to congratulate Peter for being returned as Rector. As a former Rector’s Assessor and University graduate, Peter holds experience and skills which will be put to good use over the next 3 years.

“As Chair of the University’s governing body, Court, Peter will have the opportunity to ensure that issues important to all within the University community are discussed and actioned at the top table.”

But some EUSA insiders have expressed doubts over the uncontested election. Union welfare convener Callum Leslie told The Journal: “While I welcome the appointment of Mr McColl, who seems like a fantastic choice for Rector, I am concerned that this ‘choice’ was not one made by the majority of staff and students, but by the small group who nominated him.

“As in EUSA elections, the University should include Re-Open Nominations as an option, so that students should not be in this position again. What if the only candidate nominated had been someone who would damage our University? I have asked the University to look into this, and they have given me assurances that it will be considered by the relevant group.”

Serving a three-year term, the Rector chairs the University Court, the institution’s governing body. From 2006-09, Mr McColl served as Assessor to then-rector Mark Ballard, the Green MSP for whom he worked as an advisor.

The incumbent Rector, journalist Iain MacWhirter, will hand over to Mr McColl on 1 March. Mr MacWhirter said: “I think Peter will make an excellent Rector of Edinburgh University. As a former Rector’s Assessor, he already knows the ropes, and understands how Court functions.

“At a time when students are going to be under ever greater financial pressure, and when there are major changes to the way universities are run, it is important to elect someone who understands the importance of these public institutions to Scottish civil society, who will fight against the re-introduction of tuition fees and ensure that the promised £7,000 minimum income guarantee for students becomes a reality.”

Previous Rectors have included future prime ministers William Gladstone, David Lloyd George, Stanley Baldwin, Winston Churchill and Gordon Brown.

In 1973, Mr Brown was elected Rector aged 21, while still a student at the university. His surprise victory prompted university officials to change the rules in order to bar current students from the Rectorship.