Baroness Taylor to take up Chair role at University of Bradford

Baroness Taylor will take up her appointment on 1 August 2015, chairing the governing body that oversees the delivery of the University’s strategy and its effective governance and management. She succeeds Paul Jagger MBE, who has been Chair of Council since 2006.

Baroness Taylor has a long association with Bradford, having graduated with a BSc in Politics and History from the University in 1969. She also received an Honorary Doctorate of the University in 1997 for her public life and political achievements.

She is one of The Labour Party’s most experienced politicians, beginning her political career as MP for Bolton West in 1974, serving more recently as MP for Dewsbury.

She has held many senior positions both in government and opposition, including Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons. She became Leader of the House of Commons in 1997 before being appointed Government Chief Whip.

She was Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee from 2001-2005 and became a Life Peer in 2005. She has since served as a Government Minister in the House of Lords, as Minister for Defence Equipment and Support and Minister for International Defence and Security. She has also served as a Representative on the Council of Europe and the Western European Union.

Outside politics she is a non-executive Director of Thales SA and Board Member of the National Mining Museum.

Baroness Taylor said: “I am delighted to be returning to Bradford. I was inspired to study here when Prime Minister Harold Wilson was Chancellor. There was real excitement that the new universities were to be part of the ‘white heat’ of the technological revolution and I wanted to be part of that.

“I am looking forward very much to playing an active role in what will be an exciting future for the University of Bradford and being part of the University’s 50^th anniversary celebrations.”

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming someone of Baroness Taylor’s stature and experience to lead our Council and take up such a pivotal role for the University.

“She brings tremendous knowledge and wisdom to the University, including in the fields of education and the environment. Her international experience and her knowledge of politics at the highest level will be a wonderful asset.

“Baroness Taylor joins us at an incredibly exciting time as we prepare to celebrate our 50^th anniversary. We look forward to benefiting from her leadership and wise counsel as we continue to drive forward our reputation as a great technology university carrying out world-leading research.

“I would also like to thank and pay tribute to our outgoing Chair, Paul Jagger. Paul has had a long association with the University, first as Pro-Chancellor before becoming Chair in 2006. During his tenure the University has continued to go from strength to strength. He has also made a significant contribution to the wider higher education sector.”