Girls’ college getting catty over Andrew Marr’s wife
CaMBridGe University’s distinguished lucy Cavendish College has, for the past 50 years, prided itself on being a champion of women’s rights and education.
But it is now the scene of some unpleasant carping which can be described as anything but sisterly.
There is a growing backlash among some of the all-female college’s senior figures after its governors recently announced its new President this autumn would be Jackie ashley, the new labour columnist who also happens to be married to BBC stalwart andrew Marr.
While the Oxford- educated ashley lacks none of the post’s usual political credentials — she’s a former BBC journalist turned Guardian columnist — there are concerns that the governors have opted to elect a media ‘name’ rather than a proven administrator.
‘She appears to have no previous management experience. We are worried she’s never actually run anything before,’ says a senior source at the college.
‘Our previous presidents have usually had very distinguished careers in the civil service. as far as we are concerned, Jackie ashley is somebody’s wife and nothing more.
‘She is also being paid considerably more than her predecessors. apparently, there was even a delay in announcing the appointment while she negotiated a higher fee.’
ashley refused yesterday to reveal any details of her salary, though it is thought that some college heads can earn more than £100,000.
as for remarks about her experience, or lack of it, she insisted she was relishing the challenge ahead.
‘My salary is private and a college matter, but i can tell you i’m being paid less than half the top earning heads in Cambridge,’ ashley tells me.
‘after all, i’m taking on a very big job — it’s a very good, little college that needs help raising funds and its profile. it’s not a rich college, and besides, these days you don’t have to be a renowned academic, the role has changed.
‘i’m very excited about the job, but i’d be surprised if people have bitched about me doing it.’
as for my source’s jibe about her having a famous husband, ashley retorts gamely: ‘Oh, after years as a Guardian columnist i am hardened to such criticism.’