Lord Chris Smith
for Cambridge Chancellor

Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury

Why Chris? Timeline News How to Vote
Learn More -- days until voting

Cambridge stands at a crossroads. In an age of misinformation and division, and growing pressures on universities, Cambridge needs a leader who’s shaped policy, stood up for what matters, and has been a force for good on the world stage. That's why we're backing Chris Smith for Chancellor.

A former Culture Secretary and Environment Agency Chair, Chris has spent decades fighting for what matters — the arts, the planet, and equality. As the world's first openly gay Cabinet Minister, and first politician to come out in the UK, he’s been a key advocate for good.

And Chris lives and breathes Cambridge. A double graduate and Pembroke’s Master since 2015, he’s delivered major donations, sustainable expansion, and full divestment from fossil fuels. He oversaw major developments - including Cambridge’s largest-ever single donation of £35 million from alumnus Ray Dolby for college expansion - and delivered an £82 million sustainable expansion with new student housing. And he drove Pembroke’s full divestment from fossil fuels by 2023.

We need someone with that experience leading Cambridge, fighting for what's right, protecting truth and academic freedom, ensuring financial stability and growth, and championing openness and inclusion at Cambridge. That means voting for Chris Smith as Cambridge Chancellor.

If you back our campaign, let us know and add your name to our list. Join the Cantabs for Chris.

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Why Chris?

Universities matter more than ever in these difficult times. The Chancellor must be a champion for Cambridge, and for the role the University plays in fostering learning and knowledge. We live in a dangerous world of misinformation and "fake news". Universities are the places where facts are researched and honoured, where information is discovered and tested and debated.

Leadership that Delivers Change

As Secretary of State for Culture, Chris established NESTA, the Foundation for Youth Music, Creative Partnerships for Schools, funding for Olympic athletes, the switchover to digital television, and made all the national museums and galleries free.

Commitment to Free Speech

In 1984 Chris became the first MP in the UK voluntarily to come out as gay. When he was appointed to the Cabinet in 1997, he was the first openly gay Cabinet Minister anywhere in the world.

Successful Fundraising

During his Mastership of Pembroke, we have expanded the footprint of the College by a third with our Mill Lane development; and we have successfully raised £82 million to complete it.

Committed to Academic Excellence

I read English as an undergraduate at Pembroke, from 1969 to 1972; Chris went on to do a PhD on Wordsworth and Coleridge and graduated with his doctorate in 1979. he spent a year at Harvard as a Kennedy Scholar. He is now the President of the Wordsworth Trust.

Career Timeline

1969

Begins undergraduate studies at Pembroke College, Cambridge

Started his Cambridge journey as an undergraduate reading English. Graduated in 1972 with First Class Honours and became President of the Cambridge Union debating society.

Chris Smith at Pembroke College
1979

Earns PhD from Cambridge on Wordsworth and Coleridge

Chris spent a year at Harvard as a Kennedy Scholar, and was awarded a doctorate for his research on Wordsworth and Coleridge. He subsequently became Chairman of the Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere, and is now President.

Dove Cottage
1983

Elected as Member of Parliament

First elected as MP for Islington South and Finsbury in 1983, and remained there until 2005.

Chris Smith as Member of Parliament
1984

Makes history for equality

Becomes the first MP in the UK to voluntarily come out as gay, a pioneering moment for LGBTQ+ representation in politics.

Chris Smith at Stop the Clause demonstration
1989

Completes climbing all 284 Munros in Scotland

Accomplishes the feat of climbing all mountains in Scotland over 3,000 feet high!

Chris Smith
1992

Appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Environmental Protection

Takes on a key shadow cabinet role focusing on environmental issues

Chris Smith as Shadow Secretary of State
1997

Appointed as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

Joins the Cabinet with historic significance as the first openly gay Cabinet Minister in the world. During his tenure, he established NESTA and the Foundation for Youth Music.

Chris Smith as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
2001

Makes national museums and galleries free

Implements the transformative policy of free entry to Britain's museums and galleries

BBC News coverage of free museums policy
2005

Created Life Peer as Baron Smith of Finsbury

Appointed to the House of Lords, recognizing his significant public service

Lord Chris Smith portrait
2006

Becomes Chairman of the Advertising Standards Authority

Takes leadership role in regulating advertising in the UK, a position he held for ten years

Chris Smith as ASA Chairman
2008

Appointed Chairman of the Environment Agency

Takes on leadership of the principal environmental regulator in England

BBC coverage of Environment Agency
Source: BBC
2015

Becomes Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge

Returns to his alma mater to lead one of Cambridge's oldest colleges founded in 1347. The photo shows Chris with Rowan Williams, Antonio Guterres (UN Secretary-General), and Pembroke students at the College.

Chris Smith as Master of Pembroke with UN Secretary-General
2023

Completes Mill Lane development at Pembroke

Successfully raises £82 million and oversees expansion of the College footprint by one-third. The photo shows Chris with Julia Gillard and Polly Blakesley in the new Mill Lane development

Mill Lane development at Pembroke College
2025

Stands for election as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge

Vote for Chris Smith in July!

Latest News

How to VoteAll alumni can vote in person!

In-Person Voting

Qualifying voters can vote in person in the Senate House in Cambridge between 10am and 5pm UK time (UTC+1) on either:

  • Saturday 12 July 2025
  • Wednesday 16 July 2025

Important: All alumni can vote in person, even if you missed the online registration deadline! We would be delighted to welcome you back to Cambridge.

You will be expected to wear a gown in the Senate House if able to do so, and one will be provided if you do not have one.

Check Eligibility

Online Voting

Online voting will be open from 10am UK time (UTC+1) on Wednesday 9 July until 5pm UK time (UTC+1) on Friday 18 July 2025.

The registration deadline for online voting has now passed. If you have already registered, you will be able to cast your vote online during the above dates.

Important: Even if you missed the online registration deadline, you can still vote in person! We would be delighted to welcome you back to Cambridge.