MP backs Poet Laureate as university’s new chancellor
MARSDEN POET SIMON ARMITAGE IS ‘IDEAL CHOICE’
HUDDERSFIELD Labour MP Barry Sheerman is to back Marsden poet Simon Armitage as the next chancellor of the University of Huddersfield following Prince Andrew’s exit.
In November the university agreed to put student representatives in charge of co-ordinating the search for a new chancellor following the Prince’s departure after revelations about his connections to the billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
January 4 was the final day for online suggestions.
Mr Armitage, who holds the post of Poet Laureate – Britain’s highest literary honour – would be seen as a safe pair of hands after the recent unwelcome publicity surrounding the Prince.
A former probation officer, Mr Armitage also has the advantage of some serious academic prowess – he is Professor of Poetry at Leeds and Oxford universities – as well as possessing a laconic, down-to-earth manner.
His translation of the rumbustious medieval yarn, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, was well-regarded.
Best of all he does not take himself too seriously and has an engaging sense of humour.
Mr Sheerman said: “In my opinion Simon Armitage is the man for the job. He is an outstanding poet and well respected on the literary scene.
“He is the first Poet Laureate from Yorkshire and I think he would be an ideal choice. He represents all that is good about our town and county.”
The university previously explained that nominations will be considered by a panel which includes student and staff, chaired by the chairman of the University Council who is independent.
Previous chancellors at the university have included Sir Patrick Stewart and the man behind the successful redevelopment of Dean Clough in Halifax, Sir Ernest Hall.
Mr Armitage’s London-based literary agent has been approached for comment.