Sir Lindsay Hoyle appointed Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton

Speaker of the House of Commons steps into university leadership role

Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP
Author: Charlotte BarberPublished 15th Oct 2026

The University of Wolverhampton has appointed the Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, as its new Chancellor.

Sir Lindsay succeeds Lord Paul of Marylebone, who served as Chancellor for 26 years, playing a crucial role in shaping the University's growth and reputation.

The University, noted for its commitment to social mobility, aims to create opportunities and transform lives across its communities through education and research.

Sir Lindsay’s career, marked by public service and advocacy for fairness and representation, aligns well with the University's mission.

With a background rooted in local communities, Sir Lindsay’s public service began in 1980 as a councillor in Chorley, eventually leading to his role as Speaker of the House of Commons in 2019.

In his new role, Sir Lindsay will serve as an ambassador for the University during a period of significant growth, including increased student numbers, investment in digital transformation, and major new initiatives like the Clinical Trials Unit and the Black Country Medical School.

Angela Spence, Chair of the Board of Governors, expressed her honour at his appointment, highlighting Sir Lindsay’s commitment to public service and inclusion: "His lifelong commitment to fairness and inclusion makes him an inspiring choice to champion the University and our civic mission."

Sir Lindsay Hoyle remarked on the shared values between his public service work and the University's mission: "Throughout my public life, I have been passionate about creating opportunities for people and supporting communities to thrive."

His appointment marks a new chapter for the University, reinforcing its commitment to an inclusive and equitable future.

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